14C-* 


"4. 


LIBEAEY 

OF   THE 

Theological   Seminary, 

PRINCETON,    N.  J. 

Shelf.       I  iCtj  «mL 
Book, 


~& 


fit**  ^^^ 


MEMOIRS 


OF  TH£    LATE 

REV.  SAMUEL  PEARCE,  A.  M. 

MINISTER  OF  THE  GOSPEL 

IN 

BIRMINGHAM ; 

WITH 

EXTRACTS  FROM  SOME  OF  HIS  Mbs  1*     v 
INTERESTING  LETTERS;     ■  Vv    >* 

COMPILED  BY  ANDREW  FULLER,  D.  D. 
To  which  is  added, 

AN  ORATION, 

DELIVERED  AT  THE  GRAVE  : 

A  SERMON, 

Occasioned  by  the  Death  of 
THE  REV.  SAMUEL  PEARCE,  A.  M 

AND 

THREE  OCCASIONAL  SERMONS. 


IN  TWO  PARTS. 
THIRD  AMERICAN  EDITION. 


NEWARK,  N.J. 

PRINTED  BY  E.  £•  GOULD* 

1809. 


CONTENTS, 

Part  I. 
INTRODUCTION *    -  Pagefc 

CHAP.  I, 

His  parentage,  conversion,  call  to  the  ministry, 
and  settlement  at  Birmingham 7 

CHAP.  II. 

His  laborious  exertions  in  promoting  missions 
to  the  heathens,  and  offering  himself  to  become  a 
missionary     --------------     *8 

CHAP.  III. 

His  exercises  and  labours,  from  the  time  of  his 
giving  up  the  idea  of  going  abroad,  to  the  com- 
mencement of  his  last  affliction      -------      60 

CHAP.  IV. 

An  account  of  his  last  affliction,  and  the  holy  and 
happy  exercises  of  his  mind  under  it    -    -    -    -    -     102 

CHAP.  V. 

General  outlines  of  his  character    ------    140 

Concluding  Reflections     ---------     174 

Part  II. 

Rev.  J.  Brewer's  Oration    ---------3 

Dr.  Ry  land's  Sermon    ----------13 

THREE  OCCASIOJ>AL  SERMOJVS, 

BY  ANDREW  FULLER,    ON 

I.  The  qualifications  and  encouragement  of  a 
faithful  minister,  illustrated  by  the  character  and 
success  of  Barnabas    ------.----      57 

II.  The  pernicious  influence  of  delay  in  religious 
concerns    --------------       '79 

III.  The  importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 
knowledge  of  divine  truth    --- 95 


INTRODUCTION. 


IT  was  observed  by  this  excellent  man,  during  his  last 
affliction,  that  be  never  till  then  gained  any  personal  in- 
struction from  our  Lord's  telling  Peter  by  what  death  he 
should  glorify  God.  To  die  by  a  consumption,  had  used 
to  be  an  object  of  dread  to  him  :  But,  "  Oh  my  Lord," 
said  he,  "if  by  this  death  I  can  most  glorify  thee,  I 
prefer  it  to  all  others/'  The  lingering  death  of  the  cross, 
by  .which  our  Saviour  himself  expired,  afforded  him  an 
opportunity  of  utterjng  some  of  the  most  affecting  senten- 
ces which  are  left  on  sacred  record  ;  And  to  the  lingering 
death  of  this  his  honoured  servant,  we  are  indebted  for  a 
considerable  part  of  the  materials  which  appear  in  these 
memoirs.  Had  he  been  taken  away  suddenly,  there  had 
been  no  opportunity  for  him  to  have  expressed  his  senti- 
ments and  feelings  in  the  manner  lie  has  now  done  in  let- 
ters to  his  friends.  While  in  health,  his  hands  were  fuU 
of  labour,  and  consequently  his  letters  were  written  most- 
ly upon  the  spur  of  occasion  ;  and  related  principally  to 

business,  or  to  things  which  would  be  less  interesting  to 
B 


-VI  -2K?JR0bUC?20S~, 

Christians  in  general.  It  is  true,  even  in  them  it  was  his 
manner  to  drop  a  few  sentiments,  towards  the  close,  of 
an  experimenta..  kind ;  and  many  of  these  hints  will  be  in- 
terspersed in  this  brief  account  of  him :  But  it  was  during 
his  affliction,  when,  being  laid  aside  nearly  a  year,  and 
obliged  to  desist  from  all  public  concerns,  that  he  gave 
scope  to  the  feelings  of  his  heart.  Here,  standing,  as  on 
fin  eminence,  he  reviewed  his  life,  re-examined  the  ground 
of  his  hope,  and  anticipated  the  crown  which  awaited  him, 
with  a  joy  truly  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory* 

Like  Elijah,  he  has  left  the  chariot  of  Israel,  and  as- 
cended as  in  a  chariot  of  fire  ;  but  not  without  having  first 
communicated  of  his  eminently  Christian  spirit.  Oh  that 
a  double  portion  of  it  may  r$st  upon  lis 


MEMOIRS 

of  the  late 
MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE. 


CHAP.  I. 

KIS     PAREVTAGE,     CONVERSION,     CALL    TO     rKE 

MINISTRY,    AND    SETTLEMENT  AT 

BIRMINGHAM. 

MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE  was  born  at  Ply- 
mouth,  on  July  20tb,  1766.  His  father  who  sur- 
vives him,  is  a  respectable  silversmith,  and  has 
been  many  years  a  deacon  of  the  Baptist  church  in 
that  place. 

When  a  child,  he  lived  with  his  grandfather, 
who  was  very  fond  of  him,  and  endeavoured  to 
impress  his  mind  with  the  principles  of  religion. 
At  about  eight  or  nine  years  of  age  he  came  home 
to  his  father  with  a  view  of  learning  his  business. 
As  he  advanced  in  life,  his  evil  propensities,  as 
he  has  said,  began  to  ripen  ;  and  forming  con- 
nections with  several  vicious  school-fellows,  he 
became  more  and  more  corrupted.  So  greatly 
was  his  heart  at  this  time  set  in  him  to  do  evil, 
that  had  it  not  been  for  the  restraining  goodness 
of  God,  which  somehow,  he  knew  not  how, 
preserved  him  in  most  instances  from  carrying 
his  wicked  inclinations  into  practice,  he  supposed 
he  should  have   been  utterly  ruined. 

At  times  he  was  under  strong  convictions, 
which  rendered  him  miserable  ;  but  at  other  times 
they  subsided  ;  and  then  he  would  return  with  ea- 
gerness to  his  sinful  pursuits.     When  about  fifteen 


S  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

years  old  he  was  sent  by  his  father  to  enquire  a 
the  welfare  of  a  person  in  the  neighbourhood, 
in  dying  circumstances,  who  (though  before 
his  departure  he  was  in  a  happy  state  of  mind, 
yet)  at  that  time  was  sinking  into  deep  despair. 
While  in  the  room  of  the  dying  man,  he  heard 
him  cry  out  with  inexpressible  agony  of  spirit,  "  I 
am  damned  forever  IV  These  awful  words  pierced 
his  soul  ;  and  he  felt  a  resolution  at  the  time  to 
serve  the  Lord  :  but  the  impression  soon  wore 
off,  and  he  again  returned  to  folly. 

When  about  sixteen  years  of  age,  it  pleased 
God  effectually  to  turn  him  to  himself.  A  ser- 
mon delivered  by  Mr.  Birt,  who  was  then  co-pas- 
tor with  Mr.  Gibbs,  of  the  Baptist  church  at  Ply- 
mouth, was  the  first  mean  of  impressing  his  heart 
with  a  sense  of  his  lost  condition,  and  of  directing 
him  to  the  gospel  remedy.  The  change  in  him 
appears  to  have  been  sudden,  but  effectual  ;  and 
the  recollection  of  his  former  vicious  propensities, 
though  a  source  of  bitterness,  yet  furnished  a 
strong  evidence  of  its  being  the  work  of  God.  "I 
believe,"  he  says, "  few  conversions  were  more 
joyful.  The  change  produced  in  my  views,  feel- 
ings and  conduct,  was  so  evident  to  myself,  that 
I  could  no  more  doubt  of  its  being  from  God,  than 
of  my  existence.  I  had  the  witness  in  myself,  and 
was  filled  with  peace  and  joy  unspeakable. " 

His  feelings  being  naturally  strong,  and  receiv- 
ing a  new  direction,  he  entered  into  religion  with 
all  his  heart  ;  but  not  having  known  the  devices 
of  Satan,  his  soul  was  entangled  by  its  own  ardour, 
and  he  was  thrown  into  great  perplexity.  Having 
read  Doddridge's  Rise  and  Progress  of  Religion  in 
the  Soul,  he  determined  formally  to  dedicate  him- 
self to  the  Lord,  in  the  manner  recommended  in 
the  seventeenth  chapter  of  that  work.  The  form 
of  a  covenant,  as  there  drawn  up,  he  also  adopt- 
ed as  his  own  ;  and   that  he  might  bind  hit 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  9 

in  the  most  solemn  and  affecting  manner,  signed' 
it  with  his  blood.  But  afterwards  failing  in  his  en- 
gagements, he  was  plunged  into  dreadful  per- 
plexity, and  almost  into  despair.  On  a  review 
of  his  covenant,  he  seems  to  have  accused  him- 
self of  a  kind  of  pharisaicai  reliance  upon  the 
strength  of  his  own  resolutions;  and  therefore  tak- 
ing the  paper  to  the  top  of  his  father's  house,  he 
tore  it  into  small  pieces,  and  threw  it  from  him 
to  be  scattered  by  the  wind.  He  did  not  howev- 
er consider  his  obligation  to  be  the  Lord's  as  here- 
by nullified  ;  but  feeling  more  suspicion  of  him- 
self, he  depended  upon  the  blood  of  the  cross. 

After  this  he  was  baptized,  and  became  a 
member  of  the  Baptist  church  at  Plymouth,  the 
ministers  and  members  of  which,  in  a  few  years, 
perceived  in  him  taients  for  public  work.  Being 
solicited  by  both  his  pastors,  he  exercised  as  a 
probationer  ;  and  receiving  a  unanimous  call  from 
the  church,  entered  on  the  woik  of  the  ministry 
in  November,  1786.  Soon  after  this  he  went  to 
the  academy  at  Bristol,  then  under  the  superin- 
tendence of  Dr.  Caleb  Evans. 

Mr.  Birt,  now  pastor  of  the  Baptist-church, 
in  the  square,  Plymouth  Dock,  in  a  letter  to  the 
compiler  of  these  memoirs,  thus  speaks  of 
1dm: — "Though  he  was,  so  far  as  I  know,  the 
very  first  fruits  of  my  ministry,  on  my  coming 
hither,  and  though  our  friendship  and  affection 
for  each  other  were  great  and  constant  ;  yet  pre- 
vious to  his  going  to  Bristol  1  had  but  few  oppor- 
tunities of  conversing  with  him,  or  of  making  par- 
ticular observations  on  him.  Ail  who  best  knew 
him,  however,  will  remember,  and  must  tender- 
ly speak  of  his  loving  deportment,  and  those  who 
attended  the  conferences  with  him  soon  received 
:!ie  most  impressive  intimations  of  his  future  em- 
iu-encc  as  a  minister  of  our  Lord  jesus  C imst."    * 

b  b 


10  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

"Very  few, "  adds  Mr.  Birt,"have  entered 
upon,  and  gone  through  their  religious  profession 
with  more  exalted  piety,  or  warmer  zeal,  than 
Samuel  Pear ce  ;  and  as  few  have  exceeded  him 
in  ihe  possession  and  display  of  that  charity  which 
•suffereth  long,  and  is  kind,  that  envieth  not,  that 
vaunteth  not  itself,  and  is  not  puffed  up,  that  doth 
Dot  behave  itself  unseemly,  that  seeketh  not  her 
own,  is  not  easily  provoked,  thinketh  no  evilf 
that  beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things,  en- 
duretb  all  things.'  But  why  should  1  say  this  to 
you  ?  You  knew  him  yourself." 

While  at  the  academy  he  was  much  distin- 
guished by  the  amiableness  of  his  spirit  and  be- 
haviour. It  is  sometimes  observable  that  where 
the  talents  of  a  young  man  are  admired  by  his 
friends,  and  his  early  efforts  flattered  by  crowded 
auditories,  effects  have  been  produced  which 
have  proved  fatal  to  his  future  respectability  and 
usefulness.  But  this  was  not  the  case  with  M*. 
Pearce.  Amidst  the  tide  of  popularity,  which  e- 
ven  at  that  early  period  attended  his  ministerial 
exercises,  his  tutors  have  more  than  once  remark- 
ed that  he  never  appealed  to  them  to  be  in  the 
least  elated,  or  to  have  neglected  his  proper  stud- 
ies ;  but  was  uniformly  a  serious,  industrious,  do- 
cile, modest,  and  unassuming  young  man. 

Towards  the  latter  end  of  1789,  he  came  to  the 
church  in  Cannon-street,  Birmingham,  to  whom 
he  was  recommended  by  Mr.  Hall,  now  of  Cam- 
bridge, at  that  time  one  of  his  tutors.  After 
preaching  to  them  a  while  on  approbation,  he 
was  chosen  to  be  their  pastor.  His  ordination 
was  in  August,  1790.  Dr.  Evans  gave  the  charge, 
and  the  late  Mr.  Robert  Hall  of  Arnsby,  deliver- 
ed an  address  to  the  church  on  the  occasion.  In 
the  year  1791,  he  married  Miss  Sarah  Hopkins, 
daughter  of  Mr.  Joshua  Hopkins  of  Alcaster;  a 
connexion  which  appears  to  have  been  all  along 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  1J 

a  source  of  great  enjoyment  to  him.  The  follow- 
ing  lines  addressed  to  Mrs.  Pearce  when  he  was 
on  a  journey,  a  little  more  than  a  year  after  their 
marriage,  seem  to  be  no  more  than  a  common  let- 
ter ;  yet  they  shew,  not  only  the  tenderness,  of 
his  affection,  but  his  heavenly  mindedness,  his 
gentle  manner  of  persuading,  and  how  every  ar- 
gument was  fetched  from  religion,  and  every  inci- 
dent improved  for  introducing  it : 

"  Chipping  Norton,  Aug.  15,  1792* 
11  I  BELIEVE  on  retrospection  that  I  have 
hitherto  rather  anticipated  the  proposed  time  of 
my  return,  than  delayed  the  interview  with  my 
dear  Sarah  for  an  hour.  But  what  shall  I  say,  my 
Jove,  now  to  reconcile  you  to  my  procrastinating 
my  return  for  several  days  more  ?  Why  I  will 
say,  it  appears  1  am  called  of  God  ;  and  I  trust 
the  piety  of  both  of  us  will  submit  and  say,  Thy 
xvill  be  done. 

"  You  have  no  doubt  perused  Mr.  Ryland's  let- 
ter to  me,  wherein  I  find  he  solicits  an  exchange. 
The  reason  he  assigns  is  so  obviously  important, 
that  a  much  greater  sacrifice  than  we  are  called  to 
make,  should  not  be  withheld  to  accomplish  it. 
1  therefore  purpose,  God  willing,  to  spend  the 
next.  Lord's-day  at  Northampton. — I  thought  of 
taking  tea  with  you  this  evening  :  that  wouid  have 
been  highly  gratifying  to  us  both  ;  but  it  must  be 
our  meat  and  drink  to  do  and  submit  to  the  wili 
of  our  heavenly  Father.  All  is  good  that  comes 
from  him,  and  all  is  done  right  which  is  done  in  o- 
bedience  to  him.  Oh  to  be  perfectly  resigned  to 
his  disposal — how  good  is  it  !  May  you,  my  dear- 
est Sarah,  and  myself,  daily  prove  the  sweetness 
of  this  pious  frame  of  soul  :  then  all  our  duties 
will  be  sweet,  all  our  trials  wiii  be  light,  all  our 
pleasures  will  be  puie,  and  all  our  hopes  sanctifi- 
ed. 


&EMOI&  01    THE  LATE- 

u  This  evening  I  hope  to  he  at  Northampton, 
Let  your  prayers  assist  my  efforts  on  the  ensuing 

Sabbath.     You  will,  I    trust,  find  in  Mr.  R 

a  ship  richly  laden  with  spiritual  treasures.  Oh 
for  more  supplies  from  the  exhaustless  mines  of 
erace?  S.  P." 


ooocopooeooceox.ooftcscco 


THE  soul  of  Mr.  Pearce  was  formed  for  friend- 
ship :  It  was  natural  therefore  to  suppose,  that 
while  engaging  in  the  pursuit  of  his  studies  at  the 
academy,  he  would  contract  religious  intimacies 
with  some  of  his  brethren  ;  and  it  is  worthy  of 
notice,  that  the  grand  cement  of  his  friendship 
was  kindred  piety.  In  the  two  following  letters, 
addressed  to  his  friend,  Mr.  Steadman,  the  read- 
er will  perceive  the  justness  of  this  remark,  as 
well  as  the  encouraging  prospects  which  soon  at- 
tended his  labours  at  Birmingham  : 

"  My  very  dear  Brother,  May  9,  1792. 

"  YOU  live  so  remote  that  I  can  hear  noth- 
ing of  your  prosperity  at  Broughton.  I  hope  you 
aie  settled  with  a  comfortable  people,  and  that 
you  enjoy  much  of  your  Master's  presence,  both 
in  the  study  and  the  pulpit.  For  my  part,  I  have 
nothing  to  lament  but  an  insensible,  ungra:eful 
heart,  and  that  is  sufficient  cause  for  lamentation. 
This,  only  this,  bows  me  down  ;  and  under  this 
pressure  I  am  ready  to  adopt  the  wcrcs  I  preach- 
ed from  last  evening — Oh  that  7  had  wings  like  a 
dove,  for  then  would  J  fly  away  ami  be  at  rest  I 

"  As  a  people  we  are  generally  united  :  I  be- 
lieve more  so  than  most  churches  of  the  same  di- 
mensions. Our  number  of  members  is  about  two 
hundred  and  ninety-five,  betwreen  forty  and  fifty 
of  whom  have  joined  us  since  I  saw  you,  and 
most  of  them  I  have  the  happiness  of  considering 
as  my  children  in  the  faith. — 1  'here  is  still  a  cry* 
ir.g  but    amongst  us  after  salvation  ;  a*:d 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  13 

through  much  grace,  it  is  my  happiness  to  point 
them  to  the  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away  the 
sins  of  the  world. 

4C  In  preaching,  I  have  often  peculiar  liberty  ; 
at  other  times  barren.  I  suppose  my  experience 
is  like  that  of  most  of  my  brethren  :  but  I  am  not 
weary  of  my  work.  I  hope  still  that  I  am  willing 
to  spend  and  be  spent,  so  that  I  may  win  souls  to 
Christ,  and  finish  my  course  with  joy  :  but  I  want 
more  heart  religion  :  I  want  a  more  habitual  sense 
of  the  divine  presence  :  I  want  to  walk  with  God 
as  Enoch  walked.  There  is  nothing  th3t  grieves 
me  so  much,  or  brings  so  much  darkness  on  my 
soul,  as  my  little  spirituality,  and  frequent  wan- 
derings in  secret  prayer,  i  cannot  neglect  the  du- 
ty ;  but  it  is  seldom  that  I  enjoy  it. 

*  Ye  that  love  the  Lord  indeed, 
Tell  me,  is  it  fo  with  you  ?' 
When  I  come  to  the  house  of  God,  I  pray  end 
preach  with  freedom.  Then  I  think  the  presence 
of  the  people  seems  to  weigh  more  with  me  than 
the  presence  of  God,  and  deem  myself  a  hypo- 
crite, almost  ready  to  leave  my  pulpit,  for  some 
more  pious  preacher.  But  the  Lord  does  own  the 
word  ;  and  again  I  say,  if  I  go  to  hell  myself,  I 
will  do  what  lean  to  keep  others  from  going  thi- 
ther ;  and  so  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  I  will. 

u  An  observation  once  made  to  me  helps  to 
support  me  above  water  : — M  If  you  did  not 
plough  in  your  closet,  you  would  not  reap  in  the 
pulpit."  And  again  I  think,  the  Lord  dwellcth  in 
Zion,  and  loveth  it  more  than  the  dwellings  of 
Jacob.  S.  P." 

©•93  0900  MM  Hit  MM  9O0O 

Feb.   1,  1793. 

il  THE  pleasure  which  your  friendly  epistle 

gave  me,  rises  beyond  expression  ;  and  it  is  one 

of  the  first  wishesof  my  heart  ever  to  live  in  your 

valued  friendship.     Accept  this,  and  my   former 


14  fctfcMO'IM  01?  THE  LATE- 

letters,  my  dear  brother,  as  sufficient  evidences 
of  my  ardent  wishes  to  preserve  by  correspon- 
dence, that  mutual  remembrance  of  each  other, 
which  on  my  part  will  ever  be  pleasurable,  and 
on  yours,  I  hope  never  painful. 

"  But  ah,  how  soon  may  we  be  rendered  in- 
capable of  such  an  intercourse!  When  I  leg 
Bristol,  I  left  it  with  regret.  I  was  sorry  to  leave 
my  studies  to  embark  inexperienced  as  I  am)  on 
the  tempestuous  ocean  of  public  life,  where  the 
high  blowing  winds,  and  rude  and  noisy  billows, 
must  more  or  less  inevitably  annoy  the  trembling 
voyager.  Nor  did  it  make  a  smali  addition  to  my 
pain,  that  I  was  to  part  with  so  many  of  my  dear 
companions,  with  whom  I  had  spent  so  many 
happy  hours,  either  in  furnishing  or  unburthening 
the  mind.  I  need  not  say,  among  the  first  of  these 
I  considered  Josiah  Evans*  But  ah,  my  friend, 
we  shall  see  his  face  no  more  !  Through  divine 
grace  I  hope  we  shall  go  to  him  ;  but  he  will  not 
leturn  to  us.  *  He  wasted  away,  he  gave  up  the 
ghost,  and  where  is  her'  I  was  prepared  for  the 
news  because  I  expected  it.  The  last  time  I  heard 
directly  from  him  was  by  a  very  serious  and  affec- 
tionate letter,  which  I  received,  1  think,  last  Sep- 
tember. To  it  I  replied  j  but  received  no  answer. 
I  conjectured,  I  feared  ;  and  now  my  conjectures 
and  feats  are  ail  realized.  Dear  departed  youth  i 
Thy  memory  will  ever  be  grateful  to  this  affection- 
ate breast.  May  thy  amiable  qualities  live  again 
in  thy  surviving  friend,  that  to  the  latest  period 
of  his  life  he  may  thank  God  for  the  friendship  of 
Josiah  Evans  / 

UI  assure  you,  my  dear  Steadman,  I  feel, 
keenly  feel,  the  force  of  the  sentiment,  which 
Blair  thus  elegantly  expresses,— 

*  See  a  brief  account  of  him,  given  ia  part  by  Mr. 
P^arce,  in  Dr.  Rippon'B  R^jjlsr,  Vol  i    p.  5*2—  516. 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  1$ 

«  ©f  joy6  departed,  ne'er  to  be  recalPd, 
How  painful  the  remembrance  !' 

f*  But  I  sorrow  not  as  one  without  hope.  I  have 
a  two-fold  hope  :  I  hope  he  is  now  among  the 
spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect,  and  that  he  will 
be  of  the  blessed  and  holy  number  who  have  part 
in  the  first  resurrection  :  and  I  hope  also  through 
the  same  rich,  free,  sovereign,  almighty,  match- 
less grace,  to  join  the  number  too.  Pleasing 
thought  !  Unite  to  divide  no  more  ! 

"1  preached  last  night  from  Rev.  xxi.  6.  / 
will  give  unto  him  that  is  athirst  of  thejountam  of 
the  water  oj  life  freely.  I  took  occasion  to  ex- 
pound the  former  part  of  the  chapter,  and  found 
therein  a  pleasure  inexpressible  ;  especially  when 
speaking  from  the  first  verse — And  there  was 
no  more  sea.  The  first  idea  which  presented  itself 
to  me  was  this — there  shall  be  no  bar  to  intercourse. 
Whether  the  thought  be  just  or  not,  I  leave  with 
you  and  my  hearers  to  determine  ;  but  I  found 
happy  liberty  in  illustrating  it.  What  is  it  that 
separates  one  nation,  and  one  part  of  the  globe 
from  another  ?  Is  itnotthe  sea  ?  Are  not  Chris- 
tians, though  all  of  one  family,  the  common  Fa- 
ther of  which  is  God,  separated  by  this  sea,  or 
that  river,  or  the  other  stream  below  ?  Yes  ;  but 
they  are  one  family  still.  There  shall  be  none  of 
these  obstructions  to  communion,  of  these  bars  to 
intercourse  ;  nothing  to  divide  their  affections,  or 
disunite  their  praise  forever. — Forgive  my  free- 
doms.    I  am  writing  to  a  friend,  to  a  brother. 

S.  P." 

THERE  are  few,  if  any,  thinking  men,  but 
who  at  some  seasons  have  had  their  minds  per- 
plexed with  regard  to  religious  principles,  even 
those  which  are  of  the  greatest  importance.  la 
the  end,  however,  where  the  heart  is  right,  they 
commonly  issue  in  a  more  decided  attachment  to 


I  J  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

the  truth.  Thus  it  was  with  Mr.  Pearce.  In  anoth  > 
er  part  of  the  above  letter,  he  thus  writes  to  his 
friend  Steadman: — "  I  have,  since  I  saw  you,  been 
much  perplexed  about  some  doctrinal  points,  both 
Arminian  and  Socinian.  I  believe  through  read- 
ing very  attentively,  but  without  sufficient  depen- 
dence on  the  Spirit  of  truth,  several  controver- 
sies on  those  subjects  *  particularly  the  writings  of 
Whitby,  Priestly  and  others.  Indeed,  had  the 
state  of  mind  I  was  in  about  ten  weeks  since  con- 
tinued, I  should  have  been  incapable  of  preaching 
with  comfort  at  all.  But  in  the  mount  of  the 
Lord  will  he  be  seen.  Just  as  I  thought  of  giving 
up,  he  who  hath  the  hearts  of  all  men  in  his 
hand,  and  turneththem  as  the  rivers  of  water  are 
turned,  was  pleased,  by  a  merciful  though  afflict- 
ing providence,  to  set  me  at  a  happy  liberty. 

"4  I  was  violently  seized  with  a  disorder  very 
rise  here,  and  which  carried  oft  many,  supposecj 
to  be  an  inflammation  in  the  bowels.  One  Sabbath 
evening  1  felt  such  alarming  symptoms  that  I  did 
not  expect  to  see  the  Monday  morning.  In  these 
circumstances  I  realized  the  feelings  of  a  dying 
man.  My  mind  had  been  so  accustomed  to  re- 
flect on  virtue  and  moral  goodness,  that  the  first 
thing  I  attempted  was  a  survey  of  my  own  con- 
duct ;  my  diligence  and  faithfulness  in  the  minis- 
try, my  unspotted  life,  &c.  &c.  But  ah  !  vain 
props  these  for  dying  men  to  rest  upon!  Such 
heart  sins,  such  corruptions,  and  evil  propensities, 
recurred  to  my  mind,  that  if  ever  1  knew  the  mo- 
ment when  I  felt  my  own  righteousness  to  be  like 
loathsome  and  fiiihy  rags,  it  was  then.  And 
where  should  I,  where  could  I,  where  did  I  flee, 
but  to  Him,  whose  glory  and  grace  I  had  been  of 
late  degrading,  at  least  in  my  thoughts?  Yes, 
there  I  saw  peace  for  guilty  consciences  was  to  be 
alone  obtained  through  an  almighty  Saviour.  And 
oh  !  wonderful  to  tell,  I  again  came  to  him  ;  nor 


MR.  SAMU&L  PEARCE.  17 

was  I  sent  away  without  the  blessing.  T  found 
him  full  of  all  compassion,  ready  to  receive  the 
most  ungrateful  of  men. 

*  Oh,  to  grace  how  great  a  debtor 
Daily  I'm  conftrain'd  to  be.' 
Thus,  my  dear  brother,  was  the  snare  broken, 
and  thus  I  escaped. 

*  A  debtor  to  mercy  alone, 
Of  covenant  mercy  1  sing.' 
Join  with  me  in  praising  Him,  who  remember- 
ed me  in  my  low  estate,  because  his  mercy  endu- 
reth  forever.  Yet  this  is  among  the  all  things.  I 
have  found  it  has  made  me  more  spiritual  in 
preaching.  I  have  prized  the  gospel  more  than 
over,  and  hope  it  will  be  the  means  of  guarding 
me  agamst  future  temptations. 

Your  brother,  with  ardent  affedlionj 

in  the  dear  Lord  Jefus,  S.  P." 

COMff0«OMOOT0»OM* 

FROM  his  first  coming  to  Birmingham,  his 
meekness  and  patience  were  put  to  the  trial  by  am 
Antinomian  spirit  which  infected  many  individu- 
als, both  in  and  out  of  his  congregation.  It  is 
well  known  with  what  affection  it  was  his  practice 
to  beseech  sinners  to  be  reconciled  to  Gud,  and  to 
exhort  Christians  to  the  exercise  of  practical  god- 
liness :  but  these  were  things  which  they  could 
not  endure.  Soothing  doctrine  was  ail  they  de- 
sired. 1  herefore  it  was,  that  his  ministry  was  tra- 
duced by  them  as  Arminian,  and  treated  with  ne- 
glect and  contempt.  But,  like  his  Divine  Master, 
he  bore  the  contradiction  of  sinners  against  him- 
self, and  this  while  he  had  the  strongest  satisfac- 
tion that  in  those  very  things  to  which  they  object- 
ed, lie  was  phasing  Gud.  And  though  he  plain- 
ly perceived  the  pernicious  influence  oi  their  pnn- 
ppies   upon  then  ow  n  minus,  a*  w  eil  as  the  minds 


15  MEMOIRS  OP  THE  LATE 

of  others,  yet  he  treated  them  with  great  gentle* 
ness  and  long  forbearam  e  :  and  when  it  became 
necessary  to  exclude  such  of  this  description  as 
weie  in  communion  with  him,  it  was  with  the 
greatest  reluctance  that  he  came  into  that  measure 
and  not  without  first  having  tried  all  other  means 
in  vain.  He  was  not  apt  to  deal  in  harsh  language  ; 
yet,  in  one  of  his  letters  about  that  time,  he  speaks 
of  the  principles  and  spirit  of  these  people  as  a 
*'  cursed  leaven. " 

Among  his  numerous  religious  friendships,  he 
seems  to  have  formed  one  tor  the  special  pur- 
pose of  spiritual  improvement.  I  his  was  with  Mr. 
Summers  of  London,  who  often  accompanied  hirn 
in  his  jourmes  ;  to  whom,  therefore,  it  might  be 
expected  he  would  open  his  heart  without  reserve, 
Here,  it  is  true,  we  sometimes  see  hirn,  like  his 
feretiuen,  groaning  under  darkness,  want  of  spir- 
ituality, and  the  remains  of  indwelling  sin  ;  but 
frequently  rising  above  all,  as  into  his  native  ele- 
fpent,  and  pouring  forth  his  ardent  soul  in  ex- 
piessionsof  joy  and  prajse.  On  Aug.  19,  1793j 
he  wiites  thus  : — 

ri  My  dear  Brother, 

*k  VVHRN  1  take  my  pen  to  pursue  my 
correspondence  with  you,  I  have  no  concern  but 
to  communicate  something  which  may  answer  the 
Same  end  we  propose  in  our  annual  journies  :  vij&. 
lending  some  assistance  in  the  important  objec  t  of 
getting,  and  keeping  nearer  to  God.  1  his  lam 
persuaded  is  the  mark  at  which  we  should  be  con* 
tinually  aiming,  nor  rest  satisfied  until  we  attain 
that  to  which  we  aspire.  I  am  really  ashamed 
of  myself,  when,  on  the  one  hand,  I  review  t  e 
tin  e  that  has  elapsed  since  I  first  assumed  the 
Christian  name,  with  the  opportunities  of  im- 
piO'tinent  in  godliness,  which  have  Crowded  on 
jtiv  moments  since  thai  penod  $  and  when  &h 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE,  19 

&e  other,  I  feel  the  little  advance  I  have  made  \ 
M  >re  light,  to  be  sure,  I  have  ;  but  light  without 
heat  leaves  the  Christian   half  dissatisfied.     Yes- 
terday, I  preached  on  the  duty  of engagedness  ia 
God's  service,  from  Jer.  xxx.  2i  ,  Who  is  this  thai 
engaged   his  heart  to  approach  unto  me  f   saitk 
tlie  Lord.     (A  lext  fur  which  1  am  indebted  to  our 
last  juurnev)   While  urging  the  necessity  of  heart 
religion,   including  sincerity    and  ardour  I   found 
myself  much  assisted  by  reflecting  on  the  ardour 
which  oui  deai  Redeemer  discovered  in  the  cause 
•f  sinners.  "Ah,"  1  could  not  help  saying,  "if  our 
Saviour  had  measured  his  intensencss  in  his    en- 
gagement for  us  by  our  fervency   in  fulfilling  our 
engagements  to  him — we  should  have  been  now 
farther  fiom  hope  than  we  are  from  perfection. ** 
1  Dear  Lord,  the  ardour  of  thy  love 
Reproves  my  cold  returns. % 
wT\vo  things  are  causes  of  daily  astonishment 
to  me: — The  readiness  of  Christ  to  come   from 
heaven  to  earth  for  me  ;  and  my  backwardness  to 
rise  from  earth  to  heaven  with  him.     But  oh  how 
animating  the  prospect !  A  time  approaches  when 
we  shall  rise  to  sink  no  more  ;  to  "be  forever  with. 
the  Lord."      To  be  with  the  Lord  for  a  week,  for 
a  day,  for  an  hour  ;  how  sweetly  must  the  mo- 
ments pass  !  Bjt  to  be  forever  with  the  Lord,-— 
that  instamps  salvation  with  perfection  ;  that  gives 
an  energy  to  our  hopes,  and  a  dignity  to   our  joy, 
so  as  to  render  it  unspeakable  andjull  of  glory  ]  I 
h  ve  had  a  fevv  realizing  moments  since  we  part- 
ed, and  the  effect  has  been,  I  trust,  a  broken  heart. 
Oh  my  brother,  it  is  desirable  to  have   a  broken 
heart,  where  it  only  for  the  sake  of  the  pleasure 
it  feels  in    being  helped  and  healed    by   Jesus  1 
Heart  affecting  views  of  the  cursed  effects  of  sin 
are  highly  salutary  to  a  C  iristian's  growth  in  hu- 
mility, confidence,  and  gratitude.     At  once  how 
abasing  and  exalting  w  the  comparison  of  our 


loathsome  hearts  with  thai  of  the  lovely  Say- 
ioui  f  In  Him,  we  see  all  that  can  charm  an 
angei's  heart:  in  ourselves,  all  that  can  gratify 
a  devil's.  And  yet  we  may  rest  perfectly  as- 
sured that  these  nests  of  iniquity  shaij  ere  long 
be  transformed  into  the  temples  of  God  :  and 
these  signs  of  sorrow  be  exchanged  for  songs 
«©f   praise. 

"  Last  Lord's   day  I   spent  the   most  profitable 
'Sabbath  to  myself  that  1  ever  remember   since  I 
have  been  in  the  ministry  ;  and  to  this  hour  I  feel 
flies. veet  solemnities  of  that  day  delightfully  pro 
tracted.     Ah,  my    brother,  were  it   not    for  pas 
experience  I  should  sav, 

*  My  heart  prefumes  I  cannot  lofe 
The  relifh  all  my  days.' 
But  now  1  rejoice   with  trembling  ;  desiring  to 
"  hold   fast  what  I  have,  that    no  man  *.ke  my 
crown. "     Yet  fear;ng  that  I  shall  find,  how 
~*  Ere  one  fleeting  hour  is  paft, 
Tht  flatt'ring  word  employs 
Some  fenfual  bate  to  feize  my  tafte3 
And  to  pollute  my  joys.* 

Yours  in  our  dear  Saviour, 

S.  P.1* 

0000  0«M  oooo  oooo  s  i6  ■% 

In  April,  ll9h  dropping  a  few  lines  to  the 
compiler  of  these  Memoirs,  on  a  Lord's-day  eve* 
ning,  he  thus  concludes  : — ■ 

"  We  have  had  a  good  day.  I  find,  as  a  dear 
friend  once  said,  It  is  pleasant  speaking  for  God 
when  we  walk  with  him.  Oh  for  much  of  Enoch'* 
spirit  !  The  Head  ot  the  church  grant  it  to  my 
dear  brother*  and  his  affectionate  friend, 

S.  P." 


MR.  SAMUE-L  PBARCE4  2J, 

tKr  another  letter  to  Mr.  Summers,  dated  June 
2 J,   1794,  he    thus  writes  :  — 

<c  We,  my  friend,  have  entered  on  a  corres- 
pondence of  heart  with  heart,  and  aiust  not  lose 
sight  of  that  avowed  object.  I  thank  you  sincerely 
for  continuing  the  remembrance  of  so  unworthy  a 
creature  in  your  intercourse  with  Heaven  ;  and  I 
thank  that  sacred  Spirit,  whose  quickening  influ- 
ences, you  say,  you  enjoy  in  the  exercise.  Yes, 
my  brother,  1  have  reaped  the  fruits  of  your  suppli- 
cations. 1  have  been  indulged  with  some  seasons 
of  unusual  joy,  tranquil  as  solitude,  and  solid  as 
the  rock  on  which  our  hopes  are  built.  In  pub- 
lic exercises,  peculiar  assistance  has  been  afford- 
ed ;  especially  in  these  thrre  things  ; — The  ex- 
altation of  the  Redeemer's  glory  ;  the  detectioa 
of  the  crooked  wavs,  false  refuges,  and  sel'  de- 
lusions of  the  human  heart  ;  and  the  Stirring  up 
ef  the  saintsto  press  onward,  making  God's  cause 
their  own,  a ivd  considering  themselves  as  living 
Rot  for  themselves,   but  for  Him  alone. 

"Nor  hath  the  word  been  without  its  effect; 
above  fifty  have  been  added  to  our  church  this 
year,  most  of  whom  I  rejoicre  in  as  the  seals  of 
my  ministry  in  the  Lord.  Indeed  1  am  surrounded 
with  goodness  ;  and  scarce  a  day  passes  over  my 
head,  but  I  Say,  were  it  not  for  an  ungrateful 
heart  L  should  be  the  happiest  man  alive  ;  and 
thai  excepted,  I  neither  expect  nor  wish  to  be 
happier  iji  this  wor.d.  My  wife,  my  children, 
and  myself  aie  uninterruptedly  healthy  ;  mv 
friends  kind  ;  my  soul  at  rest'j  my  labours  suc- 
cessful, &C.  Who  shouid  be  content  and  thank- 
ful, it  i  should  not  ?  Oh  my  brother,  help  cae 
to  praise  \ 

■S.I* 


*  2 


JJ3  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE* 

In  a  letter  to  Ms.  Peart e,  from  Plymouth, 
date  j  Se^t.  2.  1794.  the  dark  side  of  ihe  cloud 
see. us  towards  mm  : — • 

11  I  have  felt  much  barrenness,  says  he, 
as  to  spiritual  things  si  ice  I  have  been  here, 
compared  with  mv  usual  frame  at  home  ;  and 
it  is  a  p)o:  ex.  iunge  to  enjoy  the  creature 
at  the  expence  of  the  Crea  <i's  presence:  A. 
few  seasons  of  spirituality  I  have  enjoyed ;  but 
any  heart,  my  inconstant  heart  is  too  prone  to  rove 
from  its  proper  centre.  Pray  for  me,  m  dear# 
xt\ y  dearest  friend  !  I  do  foi  you  daily.  Oh  wres- 
tle for  me  that  I  may  a^v^  more  of  kaoeh's  spir- 
it !  I  am  fully  persuaded  thai  a  Christian  is  no  long- 
er really  happy,  and  nwardly  satisfied,  than  whilst 
he  walks  with  God  ;  and  1  wouid  this  moment  re- 
joice to  aoandon  every  pleasure  here  for  a  closer 
waik  with  him.  I  cannot,  amidst  all  the  round 
of  social  pleasure,  amidst  the  most  inviting  scenes 
€>f  nat  ire,  feel  that  peace  with  God,  which  pass- 
eth  understanding.  Sly  thirst  foi  preaching  Christ 
I  fea  ,  abates,  and  a  detestabie  van  ty  for  he  rep- 
utation of  a  "  good  preacher"  (as  the  world  terms 
it)  has  already  cost  me  maoj  conflicts,  D  ...  I 
£eJ  c  mvinced  of  the  propriety  of  a  remark  whi  ii 
m  :end  Su  nmers  made  on  his  journey  to  \V  lies, 
that  "  It  is  easier  for  a  Cnristian  to  walk  habitually 
lie ar  to  G  >d,  than  be  irregular  in  our  walk  with 
him"  But!  Win  resolution  ,  1  want  a  contempt 
fo  toe  world;  [  want  more  heavenly- minded ness; 
I  v  mt  more  ha  uility  ;  I  want  much,  ver\  much 
of  that,  which  G»d  ilone  can  bestow.  Lord, 
kelp  the  weakest  iamb  in  all  thy  flock  ! 

k<  L  preached  this  evening  from  Cant.  ii.  3.  / 
sat  chva  un  ter  his  shadpw  with  great  delight,  and 
his  fruit  wis  sweet  to  »/»i  taste.  \S  i  h  >w  lit  le 
Jove  -  »r  u v  Saviour  d»d  I  feel  !  W  i  wnat  little 
affection  and  seal  did  i  speak!  Lain,  by  some 


MR.  SA MITEL  *EARC£.  2^ 

praised.  I  am  followed  by  many.  I  am  respect* 
eJ  by  most  of  my  acquaintance.  But  all  this  is 
nothing  ;  yea,  less  than  nothing,  compared  with 
possessing  "  this  testimony,  that  I  please  Gov.'* 
Oh  thou  Friend  of  Sinners,  humble  me  Dy  re* 
pentance,  and  melt  me  down  with  love. 

"  i  o-morrow  morning  I  set  offror  Launceston. 
I  write  to  night,  lest  my  stay  in  Cornwall  might 
make  my  delay  appear  tedious  to  the  dear  and  de- 
servmg  object  of  my  most  undissembied  love. 
Oh  my  Sarah,  had  I  as  much  proof  that  I  love 
Jesus  Christ,  as  I  have  of  my  love  to  you  I  should 
prize  it  more  than  lubies  !  As  often  as  you  can 
find  an  hour  for  correspondence,  think  of  your 
more  than  ever  affectionate 

S.  P." 

0003O0OO000 

In  another  to  Mr.  Summers,  dated  Nov.  10, 
1794-,   ue  says — 

"  I  suppose  I  shall  visit  London  in  the 
Spring.  Prepare  my  way  by  communion  both 
wiili  Gou  and  man.  I  hope  your  soul  pros- 
pers. I  have  enjoyed  m  re  of  G  d  within  this 
mouth  than  ever  since  the   day   of  my    espousals 

him.  Oh  i.v  brother,  help  me  to  praise  ! 
I  v  uuiot  say  Lh.ti  I  am  quite  so  exalted  in  my 
frame  to  dav  ;  yet  still  I  acknowledge  what  I 
b  ve  lived  upon  for  weeks, — Thai  were  there  no 
b.  g  or  ttiiug  in  the  universe,  beside  God  and 
mc,  I  should  be  at  no  loss  for  happiness.  Oh  ! 
•  'Tis  heav,n  ro  rrft  in  hi*  en  brace, 
And  no  where  c>c  but  there/ 

S.  P." 


2i  HEM«IS.S  OF  THE  tAXE 

HYMN 

By  Mr.  Pearce,  soon  after  his  Conversion^ 


L 

Oh  haw  fvreet  it  is  to  me, 
'Fore  my  gracious  Lord  to  fall* 
Talk  with   him  continually, 
Make  my  Blessed  Jefus  all, 

II. 

Other  pleafures  1  have  fought, 
Try'd  the  world  a  ihoufdiid  times  : 
P-  ace  purfu'd  but   found  it  not. 
For  I  (tiil  retaiuM  my  crimes. 

III. 

Never  coulJ  my  heart   be  blefs'd, 
Till  from  guilt   I  found  it  treed  ; 
Jeius  now  has  me  released* 
I  in  him  am  free  indeed, 

IV. 

Saviour,  bind  me  to  Thy  crof9, 
L,-t   t  by  love  poffefs  my  heart  $ 
AY\  belides    I  count  but  drols  : 
Chritt  and  I  will  never  part* 

V. 

In  His  blood  fuch  peace  I  find* 
Jn    His  love  fuch  joy  is  giv'n  j 
He  who  is  to  Jefusjoin'd 
Fi^ds  on  cartk  a  little  beaVii, 


*UU   SAMUEL  f  BAILEE*  2$ 

The  following  lines  appear  to  have  been  written 
soon  after,  if  not  before,  his  entrance  into  the  work 
of  the  ministry  : — 

ooooooooooo 

EXCITEMENT  l'O  EARLY  DUTY: 

OR. 

The  Lord's- Day  Morning i 


ft  WHENE'ER  Hook  Into  Thy  word, 
And  r<za<.\  about  my  deareft  Lord, 

The  Fricn  \  of  finful  man  ; 
And  trace  my  Saviour's  footitepa  there, 
Wnat  bumble  love,  what  holy  fear, 

Through  all   K is  conduct  ran  ! 

2  If  I  regard   the  matchlefs  Grace 
He  (hew'd  unto  the  human. race, 

How  he  for  rhem   became 
A   poor  fojouruer  here  below, 
Opp^efsM  by  pain  and  forrow  too, 

1  can't  but  love  Hia  name. 

3  And  when  I  view  His  love  to  God  , 
Thofe  fteps  in  whL-h  the  Saviour  LroJ, 

I  long  to  tread  them  roo  ; 
I  iotjg  to  be  intpiVd  with  zeal 
To  execute  my   Father's  will, 

As  Jefus  ut'd  to  do. 

<£  I  read  that  He  on  duty  bent, 
To  lonely  places  often   went, 

To  fee k  his  Fathei  there  ; 
The  eirly    ,iorn  and  dc:wy  grou  nd# 
Can  witnefs  they  'h'-  Saviour  iound 

Engag'din  fervent  gray'r, 


£1  t#fiMO*RS  ©P  THE  LAlg 

J   And  did  my  Savi'our  ufe  to  pray. 
Before  the  light  unveil'd  the  day  t 

And  (hell  I  backward  he  ? 
No,  deareit  Lord,   forbid  the  thought  J 
Help  me  to  fight,  as*  Jtfus  fought, 
Each  foe  that  hinders  me, 

€  And  you,  my  friends,   who  love  His  nartt£; 
Who  love  to  imitate  the  Lamb, 

And  more  of  Je:u-   know  ; 
Come,  let  cs  all  furround  His   throne, 
And  fee  what  bltffiogs  on  His  own, 

Our  Saviour  will  bettow. 

J  Though  fear6  be  great,   temptations  ftrorjft 
And  though   we'oft  have  waited  long, 

Perhaps   He  may  defiga, 
Thi*  morn  to  give  each  i<.ul  to  fee, 
Au  1  fav  with  Paul,   "  He  dy'd  for  me," 

And  my   Redeemer'*  mine, 

9    vow  cheerful  we'll  begin  to  pray, 
That  He  will  wafh  our  fins  away, 

In  El  •»  atoning  biood  ; 
That    He  His  bleffing  may  beftow, 
And  g've  each  finner  here  to  know 
Thai  he's  a  child  of  God. 

eoooooooooo 

On  the  Scriptures. 


I   STUPENDOUS  love  in  Chrift  doth  dwel|> 
Love  which  no  mortal  tongue   can  tell  ; 
But   yet  fo  gracious  is  the  Lord, 
He  tells  His  people  in   His  word. 

%   Here  in  thofe  lines  of  love  I  fee, 
What  Chrift  mv  Savionr  did  for  me  ; 
Here   I  behold  the  wondrou?  plan, 
By  rhich  He  &*e$  rebellious  ma*, 


•a  Here  we  may  view  the  Saviour,  God. 

Opprefs'd  by  pain,  o'erwhelm'd  wiih  blood  5 
And  ii    we  afk  thtrenfon,   why  ? 
He  kindly  fays,  M  For  you  I  die.'* 

^  Here  love  and  mercy,  truth  and  grace, 
Confpicuous  fhinein  Jesus'  face  ; 
I-Iere  ws  may  trace  the  wondr  us  road* 
By  which  a  finncr  cqmes  to  God. 

f  O  boundlef-.  grace  !  O  mafch^fs  l©ve, 
That  brought  the  Saviour  from  above  j 
That  caufed  the  God  for  mat  to  die, 
Xxpinng  in  an  agony. 

(J  1  ben  fay,  my  foul,  eanft  th-ou  engage, 
In  tracing  o\r  tht  fa c red  page, 
And  thcfe  His  love  and  rrercy  fee, 
And  nor  love  him  whody'd  for  thee  ? 

^  O  ftupid  hear*  !  O  wretched  foul  [ 
So  cold,  fo  languid  and   fo  dull  ; 
A:,ge]B  dcfire  this  love  to  know, 
O  may  I  feel  thefe  longings  too  ! 

3   Defcend,  thou  Spirit  of  the  Loro% 
Thy  light,  and  help,  end  grace  afford.; 
Ai  d,   while  I  read  thefe  pages o'^r, 
©onftiain  »▼  fool  to  love  Thee  TOorf, 


MEMOIRS  ©F  THE-   L 


CHAP.  II. 

HIS  LABORIOUS   EXERTIONS    IN  PROMOTING  MIS- 
SIONS   TO    THE  HLATHEN  AND  OFFERING 
HIMSELF  TO  BECOME  A  MISSIONARY. 

MR.  PEARCE  has  been  uniformly  the  spirit- 
ual and  the  active  servant  of  Christ  ;  But  neither 
his  spirituality  nor  his  activity  would  have  appear- 
ed in  the  manner  thev  have,  but  for  his  engage, 
ments  in  the  introduction  of  the  gospel  among  the 
heathen. 

It  was  not  long  after  his  settlement  at  Birming- 
ham, that  he  became  acquainted  with  Mr.  Ca- 
rey, in  whom  he  found  a  soul  nearly  akin  to  his 
own.  When  the  brethren  in  the  counties  of 
Northampton  and  Leicester  formed  themselves 
into  a  missionary  Society  at  Kettering,  in  October, 
1792,  he  was  there,  and  emeied  into  the  business 
with  ali  his  heart.  On  his  return  to  Birmingham, 
he  communicated  the  subject  to  his  congregation 
with  so  much  effect,  that  to  the  small  sum  of 
1.  15  :  2:  6,  with  which  the  subscription  was  be- 
gun, was  added  I.  70,  which  was  collected  and 
transmitted  to  the  Treasurer  ;  and  the  leading 
members  of  the  church  formed  themselves  into 
an  Assistant  Society.  Early  in  the  following 
spring,  when,  it  was  resolved  that  our  brethren 
Thomas  and  Carey,  should  go  on  a  mission  to 
the  Hindoos,  and  a  considerable  sum  of  money 
was  wantec  for  the  purpose,  he  laboured  with  in- 
creasing ardour  in  various  paits  of  ihe  kingdom  • 
and  when  the  object  was  accomplished,  be  rejoic- 
ed in  all  his  labours,  smiling  in  every  company 
and  blessing  G»»d. 

During  his  labours  and  journif  s,  on  this  im- 
portant object,  he  wrote  several  letters  to  his 
fiends,  an  extract  or  two  from  which  will  dis* 


MR.    SAMUEL  PEARCE.  & 

cover  the  state  of  his  mind  at  this  period,  as  well 
as  the  encouragements  that  he  met  with  in  hfs 
werk  at  home  : — 

0063  OOOO  C0OCOO9O  OU  0 

To  MR.  STEADMAN. 

"  Birmingham}  Feb.  8,  1795? 

a  My  very  dear  Brother, 

"UNION  of  sentiment  often  creates 
friendship  among  carnal  men,  and  similarity  of 
feeling  never  fails  to  produce  affection  among  pi- 
ous men,  as  far  as  that  similarity  is  known.  I 
have  loved  you  ever  since  I  knew  you.  We  saw, 
we  felt  alike  in  the  interesting  concerns  of  per- 
sonal religion.  We  formed  a  reciprocal  attach- 
ment. We  expressed  it  by  words.  We  agreed 
to  do  so  by  correspondence  ;  and  we  have  not 
ether  been  wanting  to  cur  engagements* 
our  correspondence  ha9  been  interrupted, 
not,  I  believe,  through  any  diminution  of  regard 
on  either  s  de  ;  I  am  persuaded  not  on  mine.  I 
rather  condemn  myself  as  the  first  aggressor  ;  but 
J  excuse  while  I  condemn,  and  Sw  would  you,  did 
you  know  ha^f  the  concerns  which  devolve  upon 
me  in  my  present  situation.  Birmingham  is  a 
central  place  ;  the  inhabitants  are  numerous  ; 
our  members  are  between  three  and  four  hundred* 
The  word  preached  has  lately  been  remarkably 
blessed.  In  less  than  five  mont  hs  1  baptized  nearly 
forty  persons,  almost  all  newiy  awakened.  Next 
LordVday  I  expect  to  add  to  their  number.  These 
personscame  to  my  house  to  propose  ihe  most  im- 
portant of  all  inquiries,- -"  What  must  we  do  to  be 
saved  ?"  I  have  been  thus  engaged  some  weeks 
(hiring  the  greatest  p.^rt  of  most  da)s.  J  his, 
with  four  sermons  a  week,  will  account  for  my 
neglect.   But  your  letter,  received  his  evenings 


&>  MEMOIRS  CF  THE    LATE 

calls  forth   every  latent  affection  of  my  heart  for 
you.     We  are,  my  dear  brother,  not  only  united 
in  the  com  moil  object  of  pursuit, — salvation  ;  not 
only  res:  our   hopes  on    the    same  foundation,— 
Jesus  Christ ;  but  we  feel  alike  respecting  the  poor 
Heathens.     Qh  how    Christianity   expands   the 
mind  !   What  tenderness  for  our  poor  fellow  sin- 
neis  !   What  sympathy  for  their  moral  misery  ! 
What  desires  to  do   them  everlasting  good  doth 
It  provoke  !     How  satisfying  to  our  judgments  is 
'this    evicence  of  grace]   How  gratifying    to  our 
present  Us'e  are    these    benevolent  breathings  ! 
Oh  how  I  love  that  man  whose  soul  is  deeply  af- 
fected with  the  impoitance  of  the  precious  gospel 
to   ;doiatrous    heathens.       Excellently,  my  dear 
brother,  you  observe,  that,  great  as  its  blessings 
are    in   the  estimation  of  a   sinner    called    in  a 
Christian  country,  inexpressibly  greater  must  they 
shine  on  the  newly  illuminated  mind  of  a  convert- 
ed pagan. 

"  We  shall  be  ghd  of  all  your  assistance  in  a 
pecuniary  wav,  as  the  expence  will  be  heavy. — ■■ 
Dear  brother  Carey  has  paid  us  a  visit  of  love 
this  week.  He  preached  excellently  to  night.  I 
expect  brother  Thomas  next  week  or  the  week 
after.  I  wish  you  would  meet  him  here.  I  have 
a  house  at  your  command,  and  a  heart  greatly 
attached  to  you. 

S.   ?»  * 

To  MR.  FULLER. 

"  Feb.  2$>   I  793. 

"  I  AM  willing  to  go  any  where,  and  do  any 
thing  in  my  power  ;  but  I  hope  no  plan  will  be 
seffered  to    interfere  with  the  affecting,— hope^. 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARiCE.  SI 

for, — dreaded  day,  March  13,  (the  day  of  our 
brethren  Carey  and  Thomas*  solemn  designation 
at  Leicester  )  Oh  how  the  anticipation  of  it  at 
once  rejoices  and  afflicts  me.  Our  hearts  need 
steeling  to  part  with  oq^  much-loved  brethren, 
who  are  about  to  venture  their  all  for  the  name 
of  the  Lord  Jesus.  I  feel  my  soul  melting  within 
me  when  I  read  the  twentieth  chapter  of  the  Acts, 
and  especially  veises  36 — 38.  But  why  grieve  r 
We  shall  see  them  again.  Oh  yes  ;  them  and 
the  children  whom  the  Lord  will  give  them  ;  we 
and  the  children  whom  the  Lord  hath  given  us. 
AVc  shall  meet  again,  not  to  weep  and  pray,  but 
to  smile  and  praise. 

S.  P." 

00000000000 

FROM  the  day  of  the  departure  of  the  Mission- 
aries, no  one  w^s  mure  importunate  in  prayer 
than  Mr.  Pearce  ;  and  on  the  news  of  their  safe 
arrival,  no  one  was  more  filled  With  joy  and  thank- 
fulness. 

Hitherto  we  had  witnessed  his  zeal  in  promoting 
this  important  undertaking  at  home  ;  but  this  did 
not  satisfy  him.  In  October,  1794,  we  were  given 
to  understand  that  he  had  for  some  time  had  it 
in  serious  contemplation  to  go  himself,  and  to 
cast  in  his  lot  with  his  br  thren  in  India.  When 
his  designs  were  first  discovered,  his  friends  and 
connexions  were  much  concerned  about  it,  and 
endeavouied  to  persuade  him  that  he  was  already 
in  a  sphere  of  usefulness  too  important  to  be  re- 
linquished. Bui  his  answer  wjs,  that  they  were 
too  interested  in  the  affair  to  be  competent  judges. 
And  nothing  would  satisfy  him  short  of  making  a 
formal  offer  of  his  services  to  the  Committee  :  nor 
could  he  be  happy  for  than  to  decide  upon  it, 
without  their  appointing  a  day  of  solemn  prayer 
for  the  purpose,  and,  when  assembled,  hearing  an 
accountof  the  principal  exercises  of  hismindupon 


it  MIMOIRS    OP    THE    LATE 

the  subject,  with  the  reasons  which  induced  hud 
to  make  the  proposal,  as  well  as  the  reasons  al- 
leged bv  his  connexions  against  it. 

On  October  4,  1794,  he  wrote  to  an  intimate 
friend,  of  whom  he  entertained  a  hope  that  he 
might  accompany  him,  as  foiiows  : — 

"Last  Wednesday   I    rode    to    Northampton, 
where  a  ministers'  meeting  was  held   on  the    fol- 
lowing day.      We  talked  much  about  the  mission. 
We  read  some  fresh  and   very    encouraging    ac- 
counts.     We  lamented   that  we  couid    obtain  no 
suitable  persons  to  send  out  to  the    assistance  of 
our  brethren.      Now  what  do  you  think  was  said 
at  this    meeting  ?   My    dear  brother  !   do    not  be 
surprised  that  all  present  united  in  opinion,  that 
in  all  our  connexion  there  was  no  man   known  to 
us  so  suitable  as  you,  provided  you  were  disposed 
for  it,  and    things  couid    be    brought  to  bear.      I 
thought   it  right  to  mention    this  circumstance  ; 
and  one  thing  more  1  cannot  refrain  from  saying, 
that  were  it  manifestly  the  will  of  God,  I  should 
tall  that  the  happiest  hour  of  my  life,  which 
ncssed  our   both  embarking  with  our  families  on 
board   one  ship,    as  helpers   of  the  servants   of 
Jesus  Christ  already  in  Hmdostan.    Yes;  I  could 
unreluctantly  leave  Europe  and  all  its  contents  foe 
the  pleasures  and   perils  of  this  glorious   service. 
Often   mv  heart    in    the   sincerest  ardours    thus 
breathes  forth  its  desires  unto  God, — "Here    am 
I,  send  me."     But  I  am    ignorant  whether   you 
from  experience  can   realize  my  feelings.     Per- 
haps you  have  friendship  enough  for  me  to  lay  o- 
pen  your  meditations  on  this  subject  in  your  next. 
If  you  have  had  half  the  exercises  that  I   have,  it 
wili  be  a  relief  to  your  labouring  mind  :  or  if  you 
think  I  have  made  too  free  with  you,  reprove  me, 
and  1  will  love  you    still.     Oh   if  I  could  find    a 
heart  that  had  been  tortured  and  ravished  like  my 
own  in  this  respect,  I  should  form  a  new  tin 


MR.    SA'MUEL    FEARCE.  33 

alliance,  and  feel  a  friendship  of  a  novel  species. 
With  eagerness  should  i  communicate  all  the 
vicissitudes  of  my  sensations,  and  with  eagerness 
iis:en  to  a  recital  of  kindred  feelings.  With  im- 
patience I  should  seek,  and  with  gratitude  re- 
ceive direction  and  suppo!t,  and,  I  hope,  feel  a 
new  occasion  of  thankfulness,  when  I  bow  my 
knee  to  the  Father  of  mercies;  and  the  God  of  all 
Comfort.  Whence  is  it  that  I  thus  wrae  to  you, 
as  i  have  never  written  to  any  one  before  ?  Is 
e  a  fellowship  of  the  Spirit  ;  or  is  it  a  con- 
fidence that  I  have  in    your  friendship  that   thus 

directs    my    peu  ?  Tell    me,  dear !   Tell 

me  how  you  have  felt,  and  how  you  stili  feel  on 
this  interesting  subject,  and  do  not  long  delay  the 
gratification  to  your  very  affectionate  friend  and 
brother, 

S.  P." 

000000000 

About  a  month  prec  ding  the  decision  of  this 
affa.r,  he  drew  up  a  narrative  of  his  experience 
respecting  it  ;  resolving  at  the  same  time  to  set 
apart  one  day  in  every  week  for  secret  fasting  and 
p.iver  to  God  for  direction  ;  and  to  keep  a  diary 
of  the  exercises   of    his   mind  during  the  month. 

When  the  Committee  weie  met  ai  N  >rth amp- 
ton  according  to  his  desire,  he  presented  to  them 
the  narrative  ;  <* nd  w;<u  h  was  «s  follows:  — 

"OctobeT  8.  1794  Having  h  d  some  peculiar 
exercises  of  mind  relative  to  my  personally  at- 
tempt! g  to  labour  forthe  dear  Redeemer  amongst 
the  heathen  ;  and  being  at  a  loss  to  know  what  is 
the  will  of  the  Lord  in  this  matter  respecting  me, 
1  have  iii  ugbt  that  i  might  gain  sorfie  satisfaction 
by  adopting  tnese  two  resolutions  ; — First,  that  I 
will,  as  in  the  presence  of  Go  ,  faithfully  en- 
deavour to  recollect  the  various  workings  of  my 
rmnd  on  this  subject,  from  the  first  pe.iod  of  my 
feeling  3by  desire  of  this  nature,  on  til  now,  and 


5*  MEMOIRS    OF    THE    LATE- 

commit  them  to  writing  ;  together  with  what  con- 
siderations >io  now,  on  the  one  hand,  impel  me 
to  the  work,  and  oi\  the  other,  what  prevents  me 
from  immediately  resolving  to  enter  upon  it. 
Secondly,  That  I  wili  from  this  day  keep  a  reg- 
ular journal,  with  special  relation  to  this  nutter. 
M  This  account  and  journal  will,  I  hope,  fur- 
nish me  with  much  assistance  in  forming  *  future 
opinion  of  the  path  of  duty  ;  as  well  as  nelp  a- 
ny  friends  vnom  I  may  hereafter  think  proper  to 
Consuii,  to  give  me  suitable  advice  in  the  busi- 
ness.    Lo;d,  he  p  me  ! 

"  U  is  very  com  n  jn  for  young  converts  to  fee! 
strong  desires  f  >r  toe  conversion  of  others.  These 
des  res  immediately  followed  the  evidences  of 
jnv  own  religion:  and  I  remember  weil  they 
were  particular; v  axed  upon  the  poor  heathen^. 
I1>ehevc  the  first  week  that  I  knew  the  grace  of 
God  n  truth,  I  pui  up  many  fervent  cries  to  he av- 
<3»n  in  their  behalf ;  and  at  tiie  same  time  felt  a 
Strong  desire  t>>  be  employed  in  promoting  their 
salvation.  It  was  not  I  >ng  after  that  the  first  set- 
tlers sailed  for  Botany  Bay.  I  longed  to  go  with 
them,  although  in  company  with  the  convicts,  in 
.hopes  of  making  known  the  blessings  of  the  great 
Salvation  in  New  Zeal  old.  1  actually  had  thought  of 
inaking  an  effort  to  go  out  unknown  to  m\  friends  ; 
but  ignorant  how  to  proceed,  I  abandoned  my 
purpose.  Nevertheless  I  could  not  help  talking 
about  it  ;  and  at  one  time  a  report  w*s  circulated 
that  I  was  really  going,  and  a  neighbouring  min- 
ister very  seriously  conversed  with  me  on  the 
'subject. 

"  vVhile  I  was  at  the  Bristol  Academy,  the  de- 
sire remained  ;  but  not  with  that  energy  as  *t 
first  except  on  ouq  or  two  occasions.  Being  seat 
by  my  tutor  to  preach  two  sabbaths  at  CoHord,  I 
felt  particular  sweetness  in  devoting  the  evening* 
of  the  week  to  going  from  house  to  House  among 

the  coli:ers;  wiio  dwell  ia  the  Forest  <>J  Dean** 


JuR.    SAMUEL    PEARCf;  8$ 

adjoining  the  town,  conversing  and  praying  with 
,  and  preaching  to  thern.     In  these  exerci- 
ses 1   ound  the  most  solid  satisfaction  that  1  have 

ever  known  in  discharging  the  duties  of  my  call- 
ing. In  a  poor  hut,  with  a  stone  to  stand  upon, 
and  a  three-legged  stool  for  mv  desk,  surrounded 
with  thirty  or  forty  of  the  smutty  neighbours,  I 
have  felt  such  an  un^  tion  from  above  that  my 
le  auditory  have  been  melted  into  tears, 
whilst  directed  XotkeLambeJ  God,  who  taketh 
gtway  the  the  sin  of  the  world  ;  and  I,  weeping  a- 
mong  (hem,  could  scarcely  speak  or  they  hear, 
for  interrupting  sighs  and  sobs.  Many  a  time  did 
1  then  think,  I  husrt  was  with  the  apostles  of  our 
L  rd,  when  they  went  horn  house  to  house  a- 
mong  the  poor  heathen.  In  work  nke  this  I 
eould  live  and  de.  Indeed,  had  1  at  that  time 
been  at  libeity  to  settle,  I  should  have  preferred 
that  situation  to  any  in  the  kingdom  with  which  I 
was  then  acquainted. 

"  But  the  Lord  placed  me  in  a  situation  very 
different.  He  brought  me  to  Birmingham  •  and 
here,  amongst  the  novelties,  cares,  and  duties  of 
my  station,  i  da  not  remembei  any  wish  for  fo- 
reign service,  till  after  a  residence  of  some  months 
I  he  aid  Dr.  Coke  preach  at  one  of  Mr.  Vv  es  e  "s 
G  ipels,  from  Psalm  ixviiL  31.  Ethiopia  shall 
soon  stretch  out  her  hands  unto  God.  i  hen  it  was, 
that  in  Mr.  Home's  phrase,  "  I  fcit  a  passion  for 
missions.9'  'I  hen  I  felt  an  inteiest  in  the  state 
of  the  heathen  world  far  more  deep  and  per- 
manent than  before,  and  seriously  thought  how  I 
couid  best  promote  their  obtaining  the  knowledge 
of  the  ciuc  rfted  Jesu«. 

"As  no  way  at  that  time  was  open,  I  cannot 
say  that  I  thought  of  taking  a  part  of  the  good 
work  among  the  heathen  abroad  ;  but  resolved 
that  1  would  render  them  all  the  assistance  1  could 
at  home.     My  mind    was   employed   during  the 

lesidue  of  that  week  in  meditating  on  Psaim  ixvfli 


tfjm  MEMOIRS    OF    THE    LATJET 

3  Glorious  things  are  spoken  of  thee,  0  city  of 
God* — ;md  the  next  Sabbath  morning  I  spoke 
from  those  words,  On  the  promised  increase  of 
the  chiuvh  pi  God.  i  had  observed  that  our 
monthly  rneetings  for  prayer  bad  been  bettei  at- 
tended than  the  other  prayer-meetings,  frona  the 
time  thai  I  first  knew  the  people  io  Cannon -street : 
but  I  thought  a  more  general  attention  to  them 
Was  desirable.  I  therefore  preached  on  the  Sab- 
bath-day evening  preceding  the  next  monthly 
prayer-meeting,  from  Matt.  vi.  10.  Thy  king- 
dom come  ;  and  urged  with  ardour  and  affection 
a  universal  union  of  the  serious  part  of  the  con- 
gregation in  this  exercise.  It  rejoiced  me  to  see 
three  times  as  many  the  next  nighi  as  usual  ,  and 
'  fur  some  time  after  that,  I  had  nearly  equai  cause 
for  joy. 

"  As  to  my  own  part,  I  continued  to  preach 
much  upon  the  promises  ©f  God  respecting  ihe 
conversion  of  the  heathen  nations;  end  by  so  do- 
ing, and  always  communicating  to  my  people  ev- 
ery pecce  of  information  I  could  obtain  respect- 
ing  the  present  state  of  missions,  they  soon  im*- 
bibed  the  same  spirit :  and  from  that  time  to  this 
tbey  have  discovered  so  much  com  em  foi  the 
more  extensive  spread  of  the  gospel,  that  aJ  ,  or 
monthly  prayer- meetings,  both  stated  and  occa- 
sional, I  should  be  as  much  surprised  at  the  case 
cfthe  heathen  being  omitted  in  any  prayer,  as 
at  an  omission  of  the  name  and  merits  of  Jesus. 
•'  Indeed  it  lias  been  a  frequent  mean  or  en- 
kindling my  Languid  devotion,  in  my  private, 
domestic,  apd  public  engagements  in  prayer. 
When  i  have  been  barren  in  petith  ning  for  my- 
self, and  other  things,  often  have  i  been  sweet- 
ly enlarged  when  I  came  to  notice  the  situation 
ef  those  who  were  perishing  for  lack  oi  knowl- 
edge. 

*'  i  bus  I  went  on  praying,  and  preaching,  and 


MX.    SAMUEL  PEA.RCE,  37 

conversing  on  the  subject,  till  the  time  of  bmfh~ 
er  Carey's  ordination  at  Leicester,  May  24,  1191. 
On  ttie  evening  of  tnat  dav,   he  read  to  the  min- 
isters a  great  part  of  his  manuscript,  s;n:e    pub- 
lished ;  entitled,   An  enquiry  into  the  obligations 
of  Christians  to  use  means  for  the  conversion  of  tlie 
heathens.      This    added    fresh   fuel    to    my  zeaf. 
But  to  pray  and  peach  on   the   subjec    was  all  I 
could  then  think,  of  doing.     But  when  I  heard  of 
a  proposed  meet  ng   at  Kettering,  Oct.  2,    1192, 
foi  theexpress  purpose  of  considering  our  duty  ia 
regard  of  the  heathen,   I  could  not  rcs;st  mv  in- 
clination for  going;   although  at   th  it  tune  1  was 
not   much  acquainted  with  the    ministers  of  the 
Northamptonshire  association.     There  I  got  my 
judgment  informed,    and  my  heart   increasingly- 
interested.     I  returned  home  resolved  to  lav  my- 
self out  in  the  cause.      The  public  steps  1  have 
taken  are  too  well  known  to  need  repeating  :  bat 
my  mind  became  now  inclined  to  go   among  the 
heathen  myself.    Yet  a  consideration  of  my  con- 
nexions with  the  dear  people  of  God  in  Birming- 
ham, restrained  my  desires,  and    kept  roe   frOttt 
naming  ray  wishes    to   any  body,   (as  I  rem:- ni- 
ter) ex  ept  to  brother  Carey.      Wiih  him  I  was 
pretty  free.      We  had  an  interesting  conversation 
about  it  just  before  he  iett  Europe.     I  shall  nev- 
er forget  the  manner  of  Assaying  "well  you  will 
come  after  us."     My  heart  said,  Amen  !   and  my 
eagerness  for  the  work  inc  reased  ;   though  I  nev- 
er talked  freely  about  it,  except  to  my  wife,  and 
we    both    then   thought  that  my    relation  to  the 
Church  in  Cannon-street,  and  usefulness    there, 
for-bad  any  such    an  attempt.     However,    I  have 
made  it  a  constant  matter  of  praver,  often  begging  of 
of  God  as  Id.d  when  first!  wasdisposed  for  theworfc 
thc  ministry,  either  that  he  wtould  take  away  the 
desiie,orcpcna  dooi  for  its  fulfilment.   And  the  re- 
splt  ha*  uniformly  been;  that  the  more  spir.ua.ljf* 


$4  Memoirs  or  the  lat£ 

keen  In  the  frame  ofmv  mind,  the  more  love  I  hav£ 
have  feit  foi  God  ;  and  the  more  communion  I 
have  enjoyed  with  him,  so  much  the  more  dis- 
posed have  I  been  to  engage  as  a  missionary  among 
the  heathen. 

"Until  the  accounts  came  of  our  brethren's 
entrance  on  the  work  in  Iidia,  my  connexions 
in  Eurppe  pretty  nearly  balanced  my  desire  for 
going  abroad  ;  and  though  I  felt  quite  devoted  to 
the  Lord's  will  and  work,  yet  I  thought  tbe  scale 
rather  preponderated  on  the  side  of  abiding  in  my 
present  situation. 

"But&iaee  our  brethren's  letters  have  informed 
lis  that  there  are  such  prospects  of  usefulness  in 
Hindustan, — that  priests  and  people  are  ready 
to  hear  the  word,— and  that  preachers  are  a  thous- 
and times  more  wanted,  than  people  to  preach 
to9  mv  heart  has  been  more  decpiy  affected 
than  ever  with  their  condition  ;  and  my  desires- 
for  a  participation  ot  the  toils  and  pleasures, 
erosses  and  comforts  of  which  they  are  the  sub- 
jects, are  advanced  to  an  anxiety  which  nothing 
Can  remove,  and  time  seems  to  increase. 

'Mi  has  pleased  God  also  lately  to  teach  me 
more  than  ever,  that  himself  is  the  fountain  of 
happiness;  that  hkeness  to  inn.,  friendsh.p  for 
h:m,  and  communion  w.th  him,  form  the  basis 
of  ail  true  enjoyment  ;  and  that  this  can  be  at- 
tained as  well  in  an  eastern  jungle,  amongst  Hin- 
doos and  Moors,  as  in  the  most  polished  partsof 
Europe.  The  very  disposition,  which,  blessed 
be  my  dear  Redeemer  !  he  has  given  me,  to  be 
any   thing,  do  any    thing,  or   endure  any   thing, 

so   that    his  name    might  be  glorified,- 1  say, 

the  disposition  itself  is  heaven  begun  bciow  !  I 
do  feel  a  daily  panting  aftei  more  devotedness  to 
his  service,  and  I  can  never  think  of  my  suffer- 
ing Lord,  without  dissolving  into  love  ;  love 
ch  constrains  me  to  glorify  him  with  my  body 
and  spiijt  which  are  his, 


JMR.  SAMUEL  P£ARC£.  3.9 

fci  I  do  often  represent  to  myself  all  the  possi- 
ble hardships  of  a  mission,  arising  from  my  own 
heart,  the  nature  of  the  country,  domestic  con. 
nexions,  disappointment  in  my  hopes,  &x.  &c. 
And  then  i  set  over  against  them  all,  these  two 
thoughts,  lam  God's  servant  ;  and  God  is  mi/ 
friend.  In  this,  I  anticipate  happiness  in  the 
midst  of  suffering,  light  in  daikness,  and  life 
in  death.  Yea,  1  do  not  account  my  life  de«r 
unto  myself,  so  that  I  may  win  some  poor  heath- 
ens unto  Christ  ;  and  1  am  willing  to  be  offered 
as  a  sacrifice  on  the  service  of  the  faith  of  the  gas- 
pel. 

"  Mr.  Home  justly  observes, f  that,  in  order  to 
justify  a  man's  undertaking  the  work  of  a  mis- 
sionary, he  should  be  qualified  for  it,  disposed 
heartily  to  enter  upon  it,  and  free  from  such 
ties  as  exclude  an  engagement.' — As  to  the  first, 
others  must  j-dge  for  me  ;  but  they  must  not  be 
men  who  have  an  interest  in  keeping  me  at  home. 
I  shall  rejoice  in  opportunities  of  attaining  to  an 
acquaintance  with  the  ideas  of  judicious  and  im* 
partial  men  in  this  matter,  and  with  them  1  must 
leave  it.  A  willingness  to  embark  in  this  cause 
I  do  possess  ;  and  1  can  hardly  persuade  myself 
that  God  has  for  ten  years  inclined  my  heart  to 
tin's  work,  without  having  any  thing  for  me  to 
do  in  it.  But  the  third  thing  requires  more  con- 
sideration ;  and  here  alone  I  hesitate." — Here 
he  goes  on  to  state  all  the  objections  from  this 
quarter,  with  his  answers  to  them,  leaving  it  with 
his  brethren  to  decide  when  they  had  heard  the 
whole. 

The  Committee,  after  the  most  serious  and  ma- 
ture deliberation,  though  they  were  fuiiy  satisfi- 
ed as  to  biother  Pearce's  qualifications,  and  great- 
ly approved  of  his  spirit,  vet  they  were  unanimous- 
ly of  opinion  that  he  ought  net  to  go;  and  thai 


ffe  MEMOIRS  OF  Till:  T./VXE 

not  merelv  on  account  of  his  connexions  at  home, 
which  might  have  been  pleaded  in  the  ease  of 
brother  Carey*  but  on  account  of  the  mission  it- 
self, which  required  his  assistance  in  the  station 
which  he  already  occupied. 

In  this  opinion,  brother  Carey  himself,  with 
singular  disinterestedness  of  mind,  afterwards 
concurred  ;  and  wrote  to  brother  Pearce  to  the 
same  effect,* 

On  receiving  the  opinion  of  the  Committee, 
he  immediately  wrote  to  Mrs.  P ,  as  fol- 
lows : — 

Birmingham  %  Feb.    13,  1794-. 
"  My  dear  Sarah, 

"  I  AM    disappointed,  but  not  dismayed 

I  ever   wish  to  make  my  Saviour's   will  my  own. 

I  am  more  satisfied  than  ever  I  expected  1  should 

be  with  a  negative  upon  my  earnest  desires,  be- 

the  business   has  been  so  conducted,     that, 

I  think,    (if  by  any  means  such   an  issue  could  be 

insured)    the   mind  of  Christ  has  been   obtained. 

Mv  dear  brethren    heie   have  treated  the    affair 

with  as  much  seriousness  and  affection  as  I  could 

possibly  desire,    and  1  think  more    than  so  insig- 

ant   a    worm    could    expect.     After  we  had 

nt  the  former  part   of  this  day  in  tasting   and 

itiori  on  the  subject  tilt  near 

two  o'clock,  brother  Potts,  King,  and  I  retired. 

V,  e  prayed  while  the  Committee  consulted.  The 

case    seemed  difficult,  and  I   suppose  ti.ev  were 

irear  two  hours  in  deciding.     At  last,  time  forced 

them  to  a  point  ;     and  their  answer  I  enclose  for 

your   satisfaction.      Piay    take  care    of  it  ;   it  will 

serve  for    me  to  refer  to  when    my    mind    may 

labour  benea  h  a  burden  of  guilt  another  day. 

I  am  my  dear  Sarah's  own 

S.  P." 


*  See  Periodical  Account s,  No.  V.  p.  374. 


MR.    SAMUEL  PEAReE.  41 

The  decision  of  the  Committee,  though  it  ren- 
dered him  much  more  reconciled  to  abide  in  his 
native  country  than  he  could  have  been  without 
it ;  yet  did  not  in  the  least  abate  his  zeal  for  the 
object.  As  he  could  not  promo  e  it  abroad,  he 
seemed  resolved  to  lay  himself  out  more  for  it  at 
home.  In  March,  1795,  after  a  dangerous  illness, 
he  says  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Fuller — "  Through  mer- 
cy I  am  almost  in  a  state  of  convalescence.  May 
my  spared  life  be  wholly  devoted  to  the  service 
of  my  dear  Redeemer.  I  do  not  care  where  I 
am,  whether  in  England  or  in  India,  so  I  am 
employed  as  he  wouid  have  me  ;  but  surely  we 
need  pray  hard  that  God  would  send  some  more 
help  to  Hindostan." 

In  January,  1796,  when  he  was  first  informed 
by  the  Secretary,  of  a  young  man,  (Mr,  Foun- 
tain) being  desirous  of  going,  of  the  character 
that  was  given  of  him  by  our  friend,  Mr.  Savage, 
of  London,  and  of  a  Committee  meeting  being  in 
contemplation,  he  wrote  thus  in  answer- — "Your 
letter,  just  arrived,  put — I  was  going  to  say,  an- 
other soul  into  my  little  body  ;  at  least  it  has 
added  new  life  to  the  soul  I  have.  1  cannot  be  con- 
tented with  the  thought  of  being  absent  from  your 
proposed  meeting.  No,  no  ;  I  must  be  there, 
(for  my  own  sake  I-mean)  and  try  to  sing  with 
you,  "  O'er  the  gloomy  hiils  of  darkness  "* 

In  August,  the  same  year,  having  received  a 
letter  from  India,  he  wrote  to  Mr.  Fuller  as  fol- 
lows, u  Brother  Carey  speaks  in  such  a  manner  of 
the  effects  of  the  gospel  in  his  neighbourhood,  as 
in  my  view  promises  a  fair  illustration  of  our  Lord's 
parable,  when  he  compared  the  kingdom  of  hea- 
ven toa  Utile  leaven,  hid  in  three  measuresofmeal, 
which  insinuated  itself  so  effectually  as  tu  leaven 

*   The   428th    Hymn  of   Dr.   Rippon's  Selection? 
frequently  lung  at  our  Committee  meetings. 
E 


42  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

the  lump  at  last.  Blessed  be  God,  the  leaven  is 
already  in  the  meal.  J  he  fermentation  is  be- 
gun ;  and  my  hopes  were  never  half  so  strong  as 
they  are  now,  that  the  whole  shall  be  effectually 
leavened.  O  that  I  were  there  to  witness 
the. delightful  process  !  But  whither  am  I 
running  ?  I  long  to  write  you  from  hindos- 

TAN  !" 

On  receiving  other  Letters  from  India,  in  Janu- 
ary, 1797,  he  thus  writes  : — "  Perhaps  you  are  re- 
joicing in  spirit  with  me  over  fresh  intelligence 
from  Bengal.  This  moment  have  I  concluded 
reading  two  letters  from  brother  Thomas  :  one  to 
the  Society,  and  the  other  to  myself.*  He 
speaks  of  others  from  brother  Carey.  I  hope 
they  are  already  in  your  possession.  If  h:s  cor- 
respondence has  produced  the  same  effects  on 
y;  ur  heart  as  brother  Thomas's  has  on  mine  you 
are  filled  with  gladness  and  hope.  I  am  grieved 
that  I  cannot  convey  them  to  you  immediately. 
I  long  to  witness  the  pleasure  their  contents  will 
impart  to  all  whose  hearts  are  with  us.  O  that  I 
were  accounted  worthy  of  the  Lord  to  preach 
the  gospel  to  the  Booteas  !:> 

Being  detained  from  one  of  our  Mission  meet- 
ings by  preparing  the  Periodical  Accounts  for 
the  press,  he  soon  after  wrote  as  follows  :  "  We 
shall  now  get  out  Iso.  IV.  very  soon.  I  hope 
it  will  go  to  the  press  in  a  very  few  days.  Did 
you  notice,  that  the  very  dav  on  which  we  in- 
vited all  our  friends  to  a  day  of  prayer  on  behalf 
of  the  mission,  (Dec.  28,  1196,)  was  the  same  in 
which  brother  Carey  sent  his  best  and  must  inter- 
esting accounts  to  the  Society  ?  I  hope  you  had 
solemn  and  sweet  seasons  at  Northampton.  On 
many  accounts  I  should  have  rejoiced  to  have 

*  See  these  letters  printed  in  Periodical  Accounts% 
No,  IV.  p.  294,  301* 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  43 

been  with   you  :    yet  I  am  satisfied   that  on  the 
whole  1  was  doing  best  at  home." 

It  has  been  already  observed,  that  for  a  month 
preceding  the  decision  of  the  Committee,  he  re- 
solved to  devote  one  day  in  every  week  to  secret 
prayer  and  fasting,  and  to  keep  a  diary  of  the  ex- 
ercises of  his  mind  during  the  whole  of  that  peri- 
od. This  diary  was  not  shown  to  the  Committee 
at  the  time,  but  merely  the  preceding  narrative. 
Since  his  death  a  few  of  them  have  perused  it ; 
and  have  been  almost  ready  to  think,  that  if  they 
had  seen  it  before,  they  dared  not  have  opposed 
his  going.  But  the  Lord  hath  taken  him  to  him- 
self. It  no  longer  remains  a  question  now, 
whether  he  shall  labour  in  England  or  in  India.  A 
few  passages,  however,  from  this  transcript  of 
his  heart,  whiie  contemplating  a  great  and  disin- 
terested undertaking,  will  furnish  a  better  idea  of 
his  character  than  could  be  given  by  any  other 
hand. 


"  Oct.  8,  1794.  Had  some  remarkable  free- 
dom and  alTection  this  morning,  both  in  family 
and  secret  prayer.  With  many  tears  I  dedicated 
myself,  body  and  soul,  to  the  service  of  jesus  ; 
and  earnestly  implored  fuil  satisfaction  respecting 
the  path  of  duty. — 1  feel  a  growing  deadness  for 
all  earthly  comforts  ;  and  derive  my  happiness 
immediately  from  God  himself.  May  I  still  en* 
dure,  as  Moses  did,  by  seeing  Him  who  is  in- 
visible. " 

11  Oct.  10.  Enjoyed  much  freedom  to-day  in 
the  family.  Whilst  noticing  in  prayer  the  state 
of  the  millions  of  heathen  who  know  not  God,  I 
felt  the  aggregate  value  of  their  immortal  souls 
with  peculiar  energy. 


44  MEMOIRS  OF  THE    LAf£ 

"Afterwards  was  much  struck  whilst  (on  mjr 
knees  before  God  in  secret)  1  read  the  fourth 
chapter  of  Micha.  The  ninth  verse  I  fancied  very- 
applicable  to  the  Church  in  Cannon-street:  but 
what  reason  is  there  for  such  a  cry  about  so  in- 
significant a  woim  as  I  am  ?  The  third  chapter  of 
Habakkuk  too  well  express  that  mixture  of  so- 
lemnity  and  confidence  with  which  I  contemplate 
the  work  of  the  mission. 

"  Whilst  at  prayer-meeting  to  night,  I  learned 
more  of  the  meaning  of  some  passages  of  scripture 
than  ever  before.  Suitable  frames  of  soul  are 
like  good  lights,  in  which  a  painting  appears  to 
its  full  advantage.  I  had  often  meditated  on  Phil, 
iii.  7,  8,  and  Gal.  vi.  14:  but  never  fell  cruci- 
fixion to  the  world,  and  disesteem  for  all  that  it 
contains  as  at  that  time.  All  prospects  of  pe- 
cuniary independence,  and  growing  reputation, 
with  which  in  unworthier  moments  I  had  amused 
myself,  were  now  chased  from  my  mind  ;  and 
the  des>re  of  living  wholly  to  Christ  swallowed  up 
every  other  thought.  Frouvnsand  smiles,  fulness 
or  want,  honour  and  reproach,  were  now  equally 
indifferent;  and  when  I  concluded  the  meeting, 
my  whole  soul  feit,  as  it  were,  going  after  the  lost 
sheep  of  Christ  among  the  heathen. 

"  I  do  feel  a  growing  satisfaction  in  the  propo- 
sal of  spending  my  whole  life  in  something  nobler 
than  the  locality  of  this  island  will  admit.  I  long- 
to  raise  my  Master's  banner  in  climes  where  the 
sound  of  his  fame  hath  but  scarcely  reached.  He 
hath  said,  for  my  encouragement,  that  all  na- 
tions shall  flow  unto  it. 

"  The  conduct  and  success  of  Stach,  Boonish, 
and  other  Moravian  Missionaries  in  Greenland, 
both  confound  and  stimulate  me.  O  Lord,  for- 
give my  past  indolence  in  thy  service,  and  help 
me  to  redeem  the  residue  of  my  days  for  exer- 
tions more  worthy  a  friend  of  mankind,  and  a 
servant  of  God. 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  45. 

<fOct.  13.  Being  taken  up  with  visitors  the 
former  part  of  the  day,  1  spent  the  after  part  in 
application  to  the  Bengal  language,  and  found 
the  difficulties  I  apprehended  vanish  as  fast  as  I 
encountered  them.  I  read  and  prayed,  prayed 
and  read,  and  made  no  small  advances.  Bless- 
ed be  God  ! 

"Oct.  15.  Theie  are  in  Birmingham  50,000 
inhabitants;  and,  exclusive  of  the  vicinity,  ten 
ministers  who  preach  the  fundamental  truths  of 
the  gospel.  In  Hindostan  there  are  twice  as  many 
millions  of  inhabitants ,  and  not  so  many  gospel 
preachers.  Now  Jesus  Christ  hath  commanded 
his  ministers  to  go  into  all  the  world,  and  preach 
the  gospel  to  everycreature  :  Why  should  we  be 
so  disproportionate  in  our  labours  ?  Peculiar  cir- 
cumstances must  not  be  urged  against  positive 
commands  :  1  am  therefore  bound,  if  others  do 
not  go,  to  make  the  means  more  proportionate  to 
the  multitude. 

"  To-n;ght,  reading  some  letters  from  brother 
,  in  which  he  speaks  of  his  wife's  illness 
when  she  first  came  into  the  country,  I  endeav- 
oured to  realize  myself  not  only  with  a  sick,  but 
wiii}  a  dead  wife.  The  thought  was  like  a  cold 
dagger  to  my  heart  at  first  :  but  on  recollection  I 
considered  that  the  same  God  ruled  in  India  as  in 
Europe  ;  and  that  he  could  either  preserve  her, 
or  support  me,  as  well  there  as  here.  My  busi- 
ness is  only  to  be  where  he  would  have  me.  O- 
ther  things  I  leave  to  him.  O  Lord,  though  with 
timidity,  yet  I  hope  not  without  satisfaction,  I 
look  every  possible  evil  in  the  face,  and  say,  Tim 
will  be  done. 

"  CK  t.    17.      This  is  the  first  day  I  have  set  a- 

p^rt  for  extraordinary  devotion  in  relation    to  my 

nt  exercise  of  mind.   Rose  earlier  tnan  usual, 

and  began  the  day  in  prayer  that  God  would  be 

Eo 
J 


46  MEMOIRS   OF    THE    LATX 

with  me  in  every  part  of  it,  and  grant  that  the  end 
I  have  in  view  may  be  clearly  ascertained — the 
knowledge  of  his  will. 

11  Considering  the  importance  of  the  work  be- 
fore me,  I  began  at  the  foundation  of  all  religion 
and  reviewed  the  grounds  on  which  I  stood;  the 
being  of  a  God,  the  relation  of  mankind  to  him, 
with  the  divine  inspiration  of  the  scriptures  ; 
and  the  review  afforded  me  great  satisfaction.* 
f  alsocompared  the differentreligions which  claim- 
ed divine  origin,  and  found  little  difficulty  in  de- 
termining which  had  most  internal  evidence  of  its 
divinity,  i  attentively  read  and  seriously  consi- 
dered Doddridge's  three  excellent  Sermons  onthe 
evidence  of  the  Christian  Religion,  which  was 
followed  by  such  conviction,  that  I  had  hardly 
patience  to  conclude  the  book  before  I  fell  on  my 
knees  before  God  to  bless  him  for  such  a  religion, 
established  on  such  a  basis  ;  and  I  have  received 
more  solid  satisfaction  this  day  upon  the  subject 
than  ever  I  did  before. 

"I  also  considered,  since  the  gospel  is  true, 
since  Christ  is  the  head  of  the  church,  and  his 
will  is  the  law  of  all  his  followers,  what  are  the 
obligations  of  his  servants  in  respectof  the  enlarge- 
ment of  his  kingdom.  I  here  referred  to  our  Lord's 
commission,  which  I  could  not  but  consider  as 
universal  in  its  object,  and  permanent  in  its 
obligations.  I  read  brother  Carey's  remarks  up- 
on it — and  as  the  command  has  never  been  re* 


*  There  is  a  wide  difference  between  admitting  these 
principles  in  theoiy,  ana  making  use  of  them*  David 
might  have  worn  Saul's  accoutrements  at  a  parade  ;  but 
in  meeting  Goliath  he  mud  go  forth  in  an  armour  that 
had  been  tried.  A  mariner  may  sit  in  his  cabin  at  his 
case  while  the  fnip  is  in  harbour  :  but  ere  he  undertakes 
a  voyage  he  mud  examine  its  soundnefs,  and  whether  it 
will  endure  the  storms  which  may  overtake  h'm, 


MR.   SAMUEL  PEARCE.  47 

pealed  ;  as  there  are  millions  of  beings  in  the 
world  on  whom  the  command  may  be  exercised  ; 
as  I  can  produce  no  counter-revelation  ;  and  as  I 
lie  under  no  natural  impossibilities  of  performing 
it — I  concluded  that  I,  as  a  servant  of  Christ,  was 
bound  by  this  law. 

" 1  took  the  narrative  of  my  experience,  and 
statement  of  my  views  on  this  subject  in  my 
hand,  and  bowing  down  before  God,  I  earnestly 
besought  an  impartial  and  enlightened  spirit.  I 
then  perused  that  paper;  and  can  now  say  that 
I  have  (allowing  for  my  own  fallibility)  not  one 
doubt  upon  the  subject.  I  therefore  resolved  to 
close  this  solemn  season  with  reading  a  portion 
of  both  Testaments,  and  earnest  prayer  to  God 
for  my  family,  my  people,  the  heathen  world, 
the  Society,  and  particularly  for  the  success  of 
our  dear  brethren  Thomas  and  Carey,  and  his 
blessing,  presence,  and  grace  to  be  ever  my 
guide  and  glory.  Accordingly  I  read  the  xlix/A 
chapter  of  isaiah  ;  and  with  what  sweetness  !  I 
never  read  a  chapter  in  private  with  such  feelings 
since  I  have  been  in  the  ministry.  The  8,  9, 
10,  20,  and  21  verses  I  thought  remarkably 
suitable. 

"  Read  aho  part  of  the  epistle  to  the  Ephesians, 
and  the  rust  chapter  to  the  Fhilippians.  ()  that 
for  me  to  live  may  be  Christ  alone  !  Blessed  be 
my  deai  Saviour,  in  prayer  I  have  had  such  fel- 
lowship with  him,  as  would  warm  me  in  Green- 
land, comfort  me  in  New  Zealand,  and  rejoice 
me  in  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death  ! 

"  Oct.    IS.      I  dreamed  that  I  saw  one  of  the 

Christian    Hindoos.     O  how  I  loved  him  !  1  long 

to  realize  my  dream.     Mow  pleasant  will  it  be  to 

sit  down  at  the  Lord's  table  with  our  b.u?  k  bre- 

E  n,  and  hear  Jcmis  preached  in  their  language. 

-!y  then  will  come  to  pass  the  saying   ; 

:cn,  In  Christ  there  is  neither  Jew  nor  Greek, 


4$  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

Barbarian,  Scythian,  bond  nor  free,  all  are  one 
in  him. 

•?  Have  been  happy  to-day  in  completing  the 
manuscript  of  Periodical  Accounts,  No.  I.  "Any 
thing  relative  to  the  salvation  of  the  heathen 
brings  a  certa;n  pleasure  with  it.  1  find  I  cannot 
pray,  nor  converse,  nor  read,  nor  study*  nor 
preach  with  satisfaction  without  reference  to  this 
subject. 

"Oct.  20.  Was  a  little  discouraged  on  read- 
ing Mr.  Zeigenbald's  conferences  with  the  Ma- 
labrams,  tili  I  recollected,  what  ought  to  be  ever 
present  to  mv  mind  in  brother  Carey's  words, — 
The  work  is  God's. 

"  In  the  evening  I  found  some  little  difficulty 
with  the  language  ;  but  considering  how  mer- 
chants and  captains  overcome  this  difficulty  for 
the  sake  of  wealth,  I  sat  confounded  before  the 
Loid  that  I  should  evef  have  indulged  su«.  h  a 
thought  ;  and  looking  up  to  him,  1  set  aboul  it 
with  cheerfulness,  and  lound  that  I  was  making 
a  sensible  advance,  although  i  can  never  *. 
till  11  o'Clock  at  night,  on  account  of  many 
other  duties.* 

"  Preached   from   2  Kings  iv.    26.      //  is  u 
Was  much  emd!gefJ  both  in  thought  and  exj 
sion.     Whilst  speaking  of  the  satisfaction  enjoy- 

*  Nig  hi  Mudies,  often  connnu;ng  till  two  or  three 
o'clock  in  thr  morning,  it  is  to  be  eared,  were  the  firft 
ccc^iion  of  impairing  Mr  Pearce's  health,  and  brought 
on  hat  train  of  nervous  fenfations  with  which  he  was 
afterwards  affli&ed.  Though  not  mi  ch  aceuilomed  to 
converge  on  this  fubject,  he  orce  acknowledged  to  a 
brother  in  the  miniftry,  tha*  owing  to  his  tneivared 
Hate,  he  fometines  dreaded  the  approach  of  public  fer- 
victs  to  fuch  ad-.gree.  that  he  would  ra  her  have  lub. 
mitttd  to  ftripes  than  engage  in  »hrm  ;  and  while  in 
the  pulpit,  ht  was  frequently  diitreffed  with  the  3j^pre« 
haifion  of  falling  over  it. 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  4-9 

ed  by  a  truly  pious  mind,  when  it  feels  itself  in  all 
circumstances  and  times  in  the  hand  of  a  good 
God,  I  felt,  that  were  the  universe  destroyed,  and 
I  the  only  being  in  it,  beside  God,  he  is  fully  ad- 
equate to  my  complete  happiness;  and  had  I 
been  in  an  African  wood,  surrounded  with  veno- 
mous serpents,  devouring  beasts,  and  savage  men, 
in  such  a  frame,  I  should  be  the  subject  of  perfect 
peace  and  exalted  joy.  Yes,  O  my  God,  thou 
hast  taught  me  that  thou  alone  art  worthy  of 
my  confidence  ,  and  with  this  sentiment  fixed  in 
my  heart  I  am  free  from  all  solicitude  about  tem- 
poral prospects  or  concerns.  If  thy  presence  be 
enjoyed,  poverty  shall  be  riches,  darkness  light, 
affliction  prosperity,  reproach  my  honour,  and 
fatigue  my  resi :  and  thou  hast  said,  My  presence 
shall  go  with  thee.  Enough,  Lord,  I  ask  for  no- 
thing, nothing  more. 

"  But  how  sad  the  proofs  of  our  depravity  ;  and 
how  insecurt  the  best  fr  ames  we  enjoy  !  Returning 
home,  a  wicked  expression  from  a  person  who 
passed  me,  caught  my  ear,  and  occurred  so  often 
to  my  thoughts  i'ov  some  minutes  as  to  bring  guilt 
upon  my  mind,  and  overwhelm  me  with  shame 
before  God.  But  I  appealed  to  God  for  my  ha- 
tred of  all  such  things,  secretly  confessed  the  sin 
of  my  heart,  and  r.gain  ventured  to  the  mercy- 
seat.  On  such  occasions  how  precious  a  Medi- 
ator is  to  the  soul, 

11  Oct.  22,  I  did  not  for  the  former  part  of  the 
day  feel  my  wonted  ardour  for  the  work  of  a 
Missionary  ;  but  rather  an  inclination  to  consult 
flesh  and  blood,  and  look  at  the  worst  side  of 
things.  I  did  so;  but  when  en  rny  knees  before 
God  in  prayer  about  it,  I  first  considered  that  my 
judgment  was  still  equally  satisfied,  and  mv  con- 
science so  convinced,  that  I  durst  not  relinquish 
the  work  for  a  thousand  worlds!  And  then  [ 
fhoight  thut  this  dull  frame  had  not  been  wituout 


50  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

its   u^e  ;  as  I  was  now   fully  convinced,   that  mv 
desire  to  go  did  not  arise  from    any  fluctuation  of 
inconstant    passions,  but  the    settled  convictions 
of  my  judgment.  1   therefore   renewed  my  \ 
unto  the  Lord,  that  let  what  ties  soever  be 

in  the  way,  I  would  (provided  the  Society  appro- 
ved)  surmount  them  all.  I  felt  a  k  nd  of  unutter- 
able satisfaction  of  mind,  in  my  resolution  of  leav- 
ing the  decision  in  the  bauds  of  m\  brethren. 
May  God  rightly  dispose  their  hearts  i  1  have  no 
doubt  but  he  will. 

"  Oct.  23.  Have  found  a  little  time  to  apply 
to     t  igallee     1  How     plea 

it  is  to   work  fur  God  !     Love  1 
to  roses,  and  makes  pai  re.     [  ne- 

ver sat  down  to  any  stud  -       -rand 

continued  satisfaction.     Toe   t!  >f  exalting 

the  Redeemer  in  this  language,  is  a  spur  to  my 
application  paramount  to  every  discouragement 
for  want  of  a  living  tutor.  I  have  passed  this  day 
with  an  abiding  satisfaction  respecting  my  pres- 
ent views. 

"Oct.  24.  O  for  the  enlightening,  enlivening, 
and  sanctifying  presence  of  God  to-day  !  It  is  the 
second  of  those  days  of  extraordinary  devotion 
which  I  have  set  apart  for  seeking  God,  in  relation 
to  the  mission.  How  shall  I  spend  it  ?  1  will  de- 
vote the  morning  to  prayer,  reading,  and  medi- 
tation ;  and  the  afternoon  to  visiting  the  wretch- 
ed, and  relieving  the  needy.  May  God  accept 
my  services,  guide  me  by  his  council,  and  employ 
nie  for  his  praise  ! 

"  Having  besought  the  Lord  that  he  would  not 
Suffer  me  to  deceive  myself  in  so  important  a 
matter  as  that  which  1  had  now  retired  to  con- 
sider, and  exercise  some  confidence  that  he 
would  be  the  lewarder  of  those  who  diligently 
seekhim,  I  read  the  119th  Psalm  at  the  conclu- 
sion of  my  prayer,  and  felt  and  wondered  at  die 


MR.    SAMUEL    PEARCE.  o! 

congruity  of  so  many  of  the  verses  to  the  breath- 
ings of  my  own  heart.  Often,  with  holy  admi- 
ration, I  paused,  and  read,  and  thought,  and 
prayed  over  the  verse  again,  especially  verses  20, 
31,  29,  60,  112,  145,  146.  My  soul  breaketk 
for  the  longing  that  it  hath  unto  thy  judgments  at 
all  times.  J  have  stuck  unto  thy  testimonies:  O 
Lord,  put  me  not  to  shame. 

"  Most  of  the  morning  I  spent  in  seriously 
reading  Mr.  Home's  Letters  on  Missions,  having 
first  begged  of  the  Lord  to  make  the  perusal 
profitable  to  my  instruction  in  the  path  of  duty. 
To  the  interrogation,  4  Which  of  you  will  forsake 
all,  deny  himself,  take  up  his  cross,  and,  if  God 
pleases,  die  for  his  religion  ?'  I  replied  sponta- 
neously, Blessed  be  God,  I  am  willing  !  Lord, 
help  me  to  accomplish  it  ! 

*'  Closed  this  season  with  reading  the  6 1st  and 
62d  chapters  of  Isaiah,  and  prayer  for  the  church 
of  God  at  large,  ray  own  congregation,  the  hea- 
thens, tue  Society,  brethren  Thomas  and  Carey, 
all  Missionaries  whom  God  hath  sent  of  every  de- 
nomination, my  own  case,  my  wife  and  family, 
and  for  assistance  in  my  work. 

"  The  after  part  of  this  day  has  been  gloomy 
indeed.  All  the  painful  circumstances  which  can 
attend  my  going  have  met  upon  my  heart,  and 
formed  a  load  almost  insupportable.  A  number 
of  things,  which  have  been  some  time  accumulat- 
ing, have  united  their  pressure,  and  made  me 
groan,  being  burdened.  Whilst  at  a  prayer-meet- 
ing I  looked  round  on  my  christian  friends,  and 
said  to  myself,  A  few  months  more  and  probably 
I  shall  leave  you  all  !  But  in  the  deepest  of  my 
gloom,  I  resolved  though  faint  yet  to  pursue,  not 
doubting  but  my  Lord  would  give  me  strength 
equal  to  the  day. 

11  I  had  scarcely  formed  this  resolution  before 
it  occurred,  My  Lord  and  Master  was  a  man  of 


B2  MEMOIRS    OF    THE    LATE 

sorrows.  Oppressed,  and  covered  with  blood, 
he  cried,  If  ti  be  possible,  let  this  cup  passfrom 
me.  Yet  in  the  depth  of  his  agonies  he  added, 
Thy  will  be  done.  This  thought  was  tome  what 
the  sight  of  the  cross  was  to  Banyan's  pilgrim; 
I  lost  my  burden.  Spent  the  remainder  of  the 
meeting  in  sweet  communion  with  God. 

"  But  on  coming  home,  the  sight  of  Mrs.  P. 
replaced  my  load.  She  had  for  some  time  been 
much  discouraged  at  the  thoughts  of  going.  I 
therefore  felt  reluctant  to  say  any  thing  on  this 
subject,  thinking  it  would  be  unpleasant  to  her  : 
but  though  I  strove  to  conceal  it,  an  involuntary 
sigh  betrayed  my  uneasiness.  She  kindly  en- 
quired the  cause.  I  avoided  at  first  an  explan- 
ation, till  she,  guessing  the  reason,  said  to  this 
effect — 6  I  hope  you  will  be  no  more  uneasy  on 
my  account.  For  the  last  two  or  three  days,  I 
have  been  more  comfortable  than  ever  in  the 
thought  of  going.  I  have  considered  the  steps 
you  are  pursuing  to  know  the  mind  of  God,  and 
I  think  you  cannot  take  more  proper  pnes.  When 
you  consult  the  ministers,  you  should  represent 
your  obstacles  as  str<  n  ;  1}  as  your  inducements  ; 
and  then,  if  they  advise  your  going,  though  the 
parting  from  my  friends  will  be  almost  insupport- 
able, yet  I  will  make  myself  as  happy  as  I  can, 
and  God  can  make  me  happy  any  where. 

"  Should  this  little  Diary  fall  into  the  hands  of 
a  man  having  the  soul  of  a  Missionary,  circum- 
stanced as  I  am,  he  will  be  the  only  man  capable 
of  sharing  my  peace,  my  jov,  my  gratitude,  my 
rapture  of  soul.  Thus  at  evening  tide  it  is  light ; 
thus  God  brings  his  people  through  fire  and 
through  water  into  a  wealthy  place  ;  thus  those 
who  ask  do  receive  and  their  joy  is  full.  O  Ipye 
the  Lord,  ye  his  saints  j  there  is  no  want  to  them 
that  fear  him  ! 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  53 

"  Oct.  26.  Had  much  enlargement  this  morn- 
ing, whiist  speaking  on  the  nature,  extent  and 
influence  of  divine  love  :  what  designs  it  formed— 
with  what  energy  it  acted — with  what  persever- 
ance it  pursued  its  object — what  obstacles  it  sur- 
mounted— vhat  difficulties  it  conquered — and 
what  sweetness  it  imparted  under  the  heaviest 
loads,  and  severest  trials.  Almost  through  the 
day  I  enjoyed  a  very  desirable  frame,  and  on 
coming  home,  my  wife  and  I  had  some  conver- 
sation on  the  subject  of  my  going.  She  said, 
Though  in  general  the  thought  was  painful  ;  yet 
there  were  some  seasons  when  she  had  no  pre- 
ference, but  feit  herself  disposed  to  go  or  stay,  as 
the  Lord  should  direct. 

"  This  day  wrote  to  brother  Fuller,  briefly 
stating  my  desiies,  requesting  his  advice,  and 
proposing  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  on  the 
business,  i  tcel  great  satisfaction  arising  from 
my  leaving  the  matter  to  the  determination  of  my 
honoured  brethren,  and  to  God  through  them. 

"Oct.  27.     To  day   1  sent    a  packet  to    our 
hren  i:i   India.     I  could   not   forbear  telling 
brother  C  uey  all     my   feelings,  views,  and  ex- 
pectations :  hut  without  saving  1  should  be  entire- 
ly governed  b\  the  opinion  of  the  Society. 

"Oct.  28.  Sail  panting  to  preach  Jesus  among 
my  fellow  sinners  to  whom  he  is  yet  unknown. 
Wrote  to  D  Rogers,  of  Philadelphia,  to-day 
upon  the  subject  with  freedom  and  warmth,  and 
enquired  whether,  whilst  the  people  of  .lie  Uni- 
ted States  were  forming  societies  to  encourage 
arts,  liberty,  and  emigration,  there  could  not  a 
few  be  found  among  ihcm  wiio  wouid  form  as&« 
ciety  for  uie  transmission  of  die  word  of  life  to 
the  beaigiited  heathens  ;  or  in  case  thatcould  not 
h  :i  ici  t:;ey  might  not  strengthen  our  hands 
in  Europe,  by  some  benevolent  proof  of  concur- 
ring with  us  in  a  design,  which   thev  speak  of 

F 


£4  MEMOIRS  OP  THE   LATE 

with  such  approbation  ?  With  this  I  sent  Home's 
Letters.  I  will  follow  both  wiih  my  prayers,  and 
who  can  tell  ? 

46  Oct.  29.  Looked  over  the  Code  of  Hindoo 
Laws  to-day.  H  ,w  much  is  there  to  admire  in 
it,  rounded  on  the  principles  of  justice.  The 
most  salutary  regulations  are  adopted  in  many 
circumstances.  Bui.  what  a  pity  that  so  much  ex- 
cellence should  be  abased  by  laws  to  establish  or 
countenance  idolatry,  magic,  prostitution,  pr-veis 
for  the  dead,  false-witnessing,  theft,  and  su- 
icide. How  perfect  is  the  morality  of  the  gos- 
pel of  Jesus  ;  and  how  desirable  that  they  should 
embrace  it.  Ought  not  means  to  be  used  ?  Can 
we  assist  them  too  soon  ?  There  is  reason  to 
think  that  their  Shasters  were  penned  about  the 
beginning  of  the  Kollee  Jogue,  which  must  be 
soon  after  the  deluge  :  and  are  not  4000  vc-ais 
long  enough  for  100  millions  of  men  to  be  under 
the  empire  of  the  devil  ? 

''Oct.  31.  1  amencour-ged  toen:et  upon  this. 
day  (which  I  set  ap^rt  for  supplicating  God)  by  a 
recollection  of  his  promises  to  those  who  seek  him. 
If  the  sacred  word  be  true,  the  ervants  of  God 
can  never  seek  his  face  in  vain  ;  and  as  I  am  con- 
scious or"  my  sincerity  and  earnest  desire  only  to 
know  his  pleasure  that  1  may  perform  it,  I  find  a 
degree  of  confidence  that  i  shall  realize  the  ful- 
filment of  the  word  on  which  he  causeth  me  to 
hope. 

*4  B3gan  the  day  with  solemn  prayer  for  the  as- 
sistance of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  my  present  exercise 
that  so  I  might  enjoy  the  spirit  and  power  of  pray- 
er, and  have  my  personal  rehgion  improved,  as 
well  as  my  public  steps  directed.  In  this  duty  I 
found  a  little  quickening. 

'•  I  then  read  over  the  narrative   of  my  experi- 
ence, and  my  journal.     I  find  my  views  are  still 
the  same  ;  but  my  heart  is  much  more  estabh 
tfoaq  when  I  began  to  write. 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARC-E.  56 

u  Was  much  struck  in  reading  Paul's  words  in 
2  Cor.  i.  17,  when  after  speaking  of  his  purpose 
to  travel  for  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  he  saith, 
Did  I  then  use  lightness  when  1  was  thus  minded  9 
Or  the  tilings  that  1  purpose,  do  I  purpose  accord- 
ing to  the  flesh,  that  with  me  there  should  be  yea 
yea,  nay  nay  ?  The  piety  of  the  apostle  in  not 
purposing  after  the  flesh,  the  seriousness  of  spirit 
with  which  he  formed  his  besigns,  and  his  sled- 
fast  adherance  to  them,  were  in  my  view  worthy 
of  the  highest  admiration  and  strictest  imitation. 

"  Thinking  that  I  might  get  some  assistance 
from  David  Srainerd^s  experience,  I  read  his  life 
to  the  time  of  his  being  appointed  a  Missionary 
•5.     The    exalted   devotion    of 
that  d  m   almost  made  me   question    mine. 

Yet  at  some  seasons  he  speaks  of  sinking  as  welt 
as  rising.  His  singular  piety  excepted,  his  feel- 
ings,  prayers,  desires,  comforts,  hopes  and  sorrows 
are  my  own  ;  and  if  I  could  follow  him  in  nothing 
else  1  knew  I  had  been  enabled  to  say  this  with 
him,  '  I  feel  exceedingly  calm,  and  quite  resigned 
to  God  respecting  my  future  improvement  (or 
station)  when  and  wherehe  pleased.  My  faith  lift- 
ed me  above  the  world,  and  removed  all  those 
mountains,  which  1  could  not  look  over  of  late. 
1  thought  I  wanted  not  the  favour  of  man  to  lean 
upon  ;  for  I  knew  Gods  favour  was  infinitely  bet- 
ter, and  that  it  was  no  matter  where  or  wlien,  or 
Christ  should  send  me,  nor  with  what  trials 
he  should  still  exercise  me,  if  I  might  be  prepar- 
ed for  his  work  and  will.' 

,  "  Read  the  ii.  iii.  iv.  v.  and  vi.  chapters  of 
the  second  epistle  to  the  Corinthians.  Felt  a 
kind  of  placidity,  but  not  much  joy.  On  begin- 
ning the  concluding  prayer,  1  had  no  strength  to 
wrestle,  nor  power  with  God  at  all.  I  seemed 
as  one  desolate  and  forsak  n.  1  prayed  for  my- 
self, the  Society,  the   Missionaries,  the  conver- 


56  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

ted  Hindoos,  the  church  in  Cannon- street,  my 
family,  and  ministry  ;  but  yet  all  WuS  dullness, 
and  I  feared  I  had  offended  the  Lord.  I  felt  but 
little  zeal  for  the  mission,  and  was  about  to  con- 
clude with  a  lamentation  over  the  hardness  of 
my  heart ;  when  of  a  sudden  it  pleased  God  to 
smite  the  rock  with  the  rod  of  his  Spirit,  and  im- 
mediately the  waters  began  to  flow.  O  what  a 
heavenly,  glorious,  melting  power  was  it.  My 
eyes,  almost  closed  with  weeping  hardly  suffer 
me  to  write.  I  fee!  it  over  again.  O  what  a 
view  of  the  love  of  a  crucified  Redeemer  did  I 
enjoy  :  the  attractions  of  his  cross  how  powerful  ! 
I  was  a  giant  refreshed  with  new  wine,  as  to  my 
animation  ;  like  Mary  at  the  Master's  feet  weep- 
ing, for  tenderness  of  soul  ;  like  a  little  child,  for 
submission  to  my  heavenly  Father's  wiil  ;  and 
like  Paul,  for  a  victory  over  all  self-love,  and 
cieature-love,  and  fear  of  man,  when  these  things 
stand  in  the  way  of  my  duty.  The  interest  that 
Christ  took  in  the  redemption  of  the  heathen,  the 
situation  of  our  brethren  in  Bengal,  the  worth  of 
the  soul,  and  the  plain  command  of  Jesus  Christ, 
together  *  with  an  irresistable  drawing  of  soul, 
which  by  far  exceeded  any  thing  I  ever  felt  be- 
foie,  and  is  impossible  to  be  described  to,  or  con- 
ceived of  by  those  who  have  never  experienced 
it  ;  all  compelled  me  to  vow  that  I  would,  by  his 
leave,  serve  him  among  the  heathen.  The  bibie 
lying  <>pen  before  me  (upon  my  knees)  many  pas- 
sages caught  my.  e)e,  and  confirmed  the  pur- 
poses or  my  he  rt.  It  ever  in  my  life  I  knew  any 
thing  of  the  influences  of  the  Hoi)  Spirit,  1  did 
at  this  time.  I  was  swallowed  up  n  God.  Hun- 
ger, fulness,  cold,  heat,  friends  and  enemies, 
all  seemed  nothing  before  God.  I  was  in  a  new 
world.  Ail  Was  delightful  ;  t  r  Christ  was  aJJ, 
and  in  ail.  Man\  times  I  concluded  prayer,  but 
when   rising  from  my  knees,  communion   with 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE*  57 

God  was  so  desirable,  that  1  was  sweetly  drawn 
to  it  again  and  again,  till  my  animal  strength  was 
almost  exhausted.  Then  I  thought  it  would  be 
pleasure  to  burn  for  God. 

"  z\nd  now  while  I  write,  such  a  heavenly 
sweetness  fills  my  soul,  that  no  exterior  circum- 
stances  can  remove  it ;  and  1  do  uniformly  feel, 
that  the  more  1  am  thus,  the  more  I  pant  for  the 
service  of  my  blessed  Jesus  among  the  heathen. 
Yes,  my  dear,  my  dying  Lord,  I  am  thine,  thy 
servant ;  and  if  1  neglect  the  service  of  so  good  a 
master,  I  may  well  expect  a  guilty  conscience  in 
litQ,  and  a  death  awful  as  that  of  Judas  or  o£ 
Spira  ! 

"  This  evening  I  had  a  meeting  with  my  friends.. 
Returned  much  dejected.  Reviewed  a  letter 
from  brother  Fuller,  which,  though  he  says  he* 
has  many  objections  to  my  going,  yet  is  so  affec^ 
tionately  expressed  as  to  yield  me  a  gratification,. 

"N^v.  3.  this  evening  received  a  letter  frorrji 
brother  Ryland,  containing  many  objections :  but 
contradiction  itself  is  pleasant  when  it  is  the  voice 
of  judgment  mingled  with  rfffection.  I  wish  to  re- 
member that  /  may  be  mistaken^  though  I  cannot 
say  I  am  at  present  convinced  that  it  is  so.  I  am 
happy  to  find  that  brother  kyland  approves  of  my 
referring  it  to  the  Committee.  I  have  much  con- 
fidence in  the  judgement  of  my  brethren,  and 
hope  I  shall  be  perfectly  satisfied  with  their  ad- 
vice. I  do  think,  however,  if  they  knew  how 
earnestly  1  pant  for  the  woik,  it  would  be  impos- 
sible for  them  to  withhold  their  ready  acquies* 
cciu  e.  O  Lord,  thou  knowest  my  sincerity  ;  and 
that  if  I  go  not  to  the  work  it  will  not  be  owing 
t )  any  reluctance  on  my  part  !  If  I  stay  in  Eng~ 
iand,  I  fear  I  snail  be  a  poor  useless  drone  ;  or 
il  a  sense  of  duty  prpmpt  me  to  activity,  I  doubt 
1  shall  ever  know  inward  peace  and  joy 

f2 


53  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

again.  O  Lord,  I  am,  thou  knowest  I  am,  op- 
pressed ;   under:  ake  for  me  ! 

"Nov.  5.  At  times  to-day  I  have  been  re- 
conciled to  the  thought  of  staying  if  any  brethren 
should  so  advise  ;  but  at  other  times  I  seem  to 
think  I  could  not.  I  look  at  brother  Carey's  por- 
trait as  it  hangs  in  my  study,  I  love  him  in  the 
bowels  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  long  to  join  his  la- 
bours:  every  look  calls  up  a  hundred  thoughts, 
all  of  which  inflame  my  desire  to  be  a  fellow- 
labourer  with  him  in  the  work  of  the  Lord.  One 
thing,  however,  I  have  resolved  upon,  that,  the 
Lord  keeping  me,  if  I  cannot  go  abroad,  1  will  do 
all  I  can  to  serve  the  mission  at  home. 

"  Nov.  7.  This  is  the  last  day  of  peculiar  de- 
votion before  the  deciding  meeting.  May  I  have 
strength  to  wrestle  with  God  to-day  for  his  wis- 
dom to  preside  in  the  Committee,  and  by  faith  to 
leave  the  issue  to  their  determination. 

"  I  did  not  enjoy  much  enlargement  in  prayer 
to  day.  My  mind  seems  at  present  incapable  of 
those  sensations  of  joy  with  which  1  have  lately- 
been  much  indulged,  through  its  stragglings  in 
relation  to  my  going  or  staying  :  yet  I  have  been 
enabled  to  commit  the'  issue  into  the  hands  of 
God,  as  he  may  direct  my  brethren,  hoping  that 
their  advice  will  be  agreeable  to  his  will," 

The  result  of  the  Committee  Meeting  lias  al- 
ready been  related  ;  together  with  the  slate  of 
his  mind,  as  far  as  couid  be  collected  from  his 
letters,  for  some  time  after  it.  1  he  termination 
of  these  tender  and  interesting  exercises,  and  of 
all  his  other  labours,  in  so  speedy  a  removal  from 
the  present  scene  of  action,  may  teach  us  not  to 
dravvnny  certain  conclusion  as  to  the  dcs.-grs  of 
God  concerning  ur  future  labours,  from  the  ar- 
dour or  sincerity  of  our  feelings.  He  may  uke 
it  well  that  it  was  in  our  hearts  to  build  him  an 


MR.    SAMUEL  PEAS.CE.  59 

house,  though  he  should  fwr  wise  reasons  have 
determined  not  to  gratify  us.  Suffice  it,  that  in 
matters  of  everlasting  moment  he  has  enga- 
ged to  perfect  that  which  concerns  as.  In  this  he 
hath  condescended  to  bind  himself,  as  by  an  oath, 
for  our  consolation  ;  here  therefore  we  may  safe- 
ly consider  ov.r  spiritual  desires  as  indicative  of 
his  designs  :  but  it  is  otherwise  in  various  in- 
stances with  regard  to  present  duty. 


6Q  MEMOIRS    6F  THE    LATE 

CHAP.  III. 

HIS  EXERCISES  AND  LABOURS,    FROM  THE    TIME 

OF  HIS  GIVING  UP  THE    IDEA    OF    GOING     A- 

BROAD,    To     THE   COMMENCEMENT    OF 

HIS  LAST  AFFLICTION. 

HAD  the  multiplied  labours  of  this  excellent 
man  permitted  his  keeping  a  regular  diary,  we 
may  see  by  the  foregoing  specimen  of  a  single 
month,  what  a  rich  store  of  truly  Christian  ex- 
perience would  have  pervaded  these  Memoirs. 
We  should  then  have  been  better  abie  to  trace  the 
gradual  openings  of  his  holy  mind,  and  the 
springs  of  that  extraordinary  unction  of  spirit* 
and  energy  of  action,  by  which  his  life  was  dis- 
tinguished. As  it  is,  we  can  only  collect  a  few 
gleanings,  partly  from  memory,  and  partly  from 
letters  communicated  by  his  friends. 

This  chapter  will  include  a  period  of  about 
four  years,  during  which  he  went  twice  to  Lon- 
don to  collect  for  the  Baptist  Mission,  and  once 
he  visited  Dublin,  at  the  invitation  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Society  in  that  city. 

There  appears  throughout  the  general  tenerof 
his  life,  a  singular  submissiveness  to  the  will  of 
God  ;  and  what  is  worthy  of  notice,  this  dis- 
position was  generally  most  conspicuous  when 
his  own  will  was  most  counteracted.  The  just- 
ness of  this  remark  is  sufficiently  apparent  from 
his  letter  to  Mrs.  Pearce,  of  Nov  13,  1794,* 
after  the  decision  of  the  Committee  ;  and  the 
same  spirit  was  carried  into  the  common  concerns 
of  life.  Thus,  about  a  month  afterwards,  when 
his  dear  Louisa  was  ill  of  a  fever,  he  thus  writes 
from  Northampton  to  Mrs.  Pearce  : — 

•    m -         ,.       .       »    ..»»■'•  r 

•  See  page  40, 


MR.    SAMUEL    PEAP.CE.  61 

December  13,   17Q4. 

€i  My  dear  Sarah, 

"  I  AM  just  brought  on  the  wings  of  celes- 
tial mercy  safe  to  my  Sabbath's  station.  1  am 
well  ;  and  my  dear  friends  heje  seem  healthy  and 
happy  :  but  I  feel  for  you,  I  long  to  know  how 
our  de:;r  Louisa's  pulse  beats  :  I  fear  still  fever- 
ish. We  must  not,  however,  suffer  ourselves  to 
be  infected  with  a  mental  fever  on  this  account, 
Is  she  ill  ?  It  is  light.  Is  she  very  ill  ...  .  dying  r 
It  is  still  right,  is  she  gone  to  join  the  heavenly 
choristers  ?  It  is  all  right,  notwithstanding  our 
repinings Repinings!  no;  we  will  not  re- 
pine. It  is  best  she  should  go.  It  is  best  fur  ker* 
This  we  must  allow.  It  is  best  for  us.  Do  we 
expect  it  ?  O  what  pour,  ungrateful,  short-sight- 
ed wuims  are  we  !  Let  us  submit,  my  Sarah, 
til  we  come  to  heaven  :  it  we  do  not  then  see 
that  it  is  best,  let  us  then  complain.  But  why 
do  I  attempt  to  console  ?  Perhaps  an  indulgent 
Providence  has  ere  now  dissipated  your  fears  :  or 
if  thai  same  kind  Providence  has  removed  our 
babe,  you  have  consolation  enough  in  Him  who 
suffered  more  than  we  ;  and  mure  than  enough 
to  quiet  all  our  passions,  in  that  astonishing  con- 
sideration,— 'God  so  loved  the  worlds  that  he 
spared  not  ins  own  Son.'  Did  God  cheerfully 
give  the  Holy  child  Jesus  for  us  :  and  shall  v*e  re- 
fuse our  i  hild  to  Him  !  He  gave  his  son  to  suf- 
fer :  He  iuk.es  our  children  to  enjoy:  Yes;  to 
enjoy  Himself. 

Yours,  with  the  tenderest  regard, 

S.  P." 

000000000 

In  June,   1795,  he  attended  the  Association  at 
Kettering,  partly  on  account  of  some  missionary 


62  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

business  there  to  be  transacted.  That  was  a  sea- 
son of  great  joy  to  many,  especially  the  last  fore- 
noon previous  to  parting.  From  thence  he  wrote 
to  Mrs.  Pearce  as  follows  :— 

cc  From  a  pew  in  the  house  of  God  at  Kettering, 
with  my  cup  of  joy  running  over,  I  address  you 
by  the  hands  of  brother  Simmons.  Had  it  pleas- 
ed divine  Providence  to  have  permitted  your  ac- 
companying me,  my  pleasures  would  have  re- 
ceived no  small  addition  ;  because  I  should  have 
hoped  that  you  would  have  been  filled  with  sim- 
ilar consolation,  and  have  received  equal  edifica- 
tion by  the  precious  means  of  grace,  on  which 
I  have  attended.  Indeed,  I  never  remember  to 
have  enjoyed  a  public  meeting  to  such  a  high  de- 
gree since  I  have  been  in  the  habit  of  attending 
upon  them.  Oh  that  I  may  return  to  you,  and 
the  dear  church  of  God,  in  the  fulness  of  the  bless- 
ing of  the  gospel  of  Christ !  I  hope,  my  beloved 
that  you  are  not  without  the  enjoyment  of  the 
sweetness  and  the  supports  of  the  biessed  gospel. 
O  that  you  may  get  and  keep  near  to  God,  and 
in  Him  find  infinitely  more  than  you  can  possibly 
loose  by  your  husband's  absence  ! 

"  Mr.  Hail  preached,  last  evening,  from  1  Pet. 
i.  8.  A  most  evangelical  and  experimental  sea- 
son !  I  was  charmed  and  warmed.  Oh  that 
Jesus  may  go  on  to  reveal  himself  to  him  as  al- 
together lovely  !  I  am  unable  to  write  more  now. 
To-day  I  set  off  for  Northampton,  and  preach 
there  to-night.     The  Lord  bless  you  !" 

In  July  1795,  he  received  a  pressing  invitation 
from  the  General  Evangelical  Society  m  Dublin, 
to  pay  them  a  visit,  unci  to  assist  in  diffusing  the 
gospel  of  the  grace  of  God  in  that  kingdom.  To 
this  invitation  he  replied  in  the  foiiowmg,  address- 
ed to  Dr.  Mc.  Dowal:  — 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  63 

"  Birmingham^  August  3,   1795. 

IC  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

"I  RECEIVED  your  favour  of  the  22d 
ult.  and  for  the  interesting  reason  you  assign* 
transmit  a  '  speedy  answer.'  1  he  Society  on 
whose  behalf  you  wrote,  I  have  ever  considered 
with  the  respect  due  to  the  real  friends  of  the  best 
of  causes — The  cause  of  God  and  of  his  Christ  : 
a  cause  which  embraces  the  most  important  and 
durable  interests  of  our  fellow  men  :  and  your 
name,  dear  sir,  I  have  been  taught  to  hold  in 
more  than  common  esteem  by  my  dear  brother 
and  father,  Messrs.  Birt  and  Francis.  The  be- 
nevolent institution  which  you  are  engaged  in 
supporting,  I  am  persuaded,  deserves  more  than 
the  good  wishes  or  prayers  of  ycur  brethren  in 
the  kingdom  and  patience  of  Jesus,  on  this  side 
the  channel  ;  and  it  will  yield  me  substantial 
pleasure  to  afford  personal  assistance  in  your  pi- 
ous labours.  But,  for  the  present,  I  am  sorry 
to  say,  I  must  decline  your  proposal  ;  being  en- 
gaged to  spend  a  month  in  London  this  autumn^, 
on  the  business  of  our  Mission  Society,  of  which 
you  have  probably  heard. 

"  \Vhen  I  formed  my  present  connexions  with 
the  church  in  Birmingham,  I  proposed  an  an- 
nual freedqm  for  six  weeks,  from  mv  pastoral  du-* 
tic^  ;  and  shouid  the  'Evangelical  Society'  ex- 
press a  wish  for  my  services  the  ensuing  year,  I 
am  perfectly  inclined,  God  willing,  to  spend  that 
time  beneath  their  direction,  and  at  what  part  of 
the  year  they  conceive  a  visit  would  be  most  ser- 
viceable to  the  good  design.  I  only  request,  that 
should  this  be  their  desire,  I  may  receive  the  in- 
formation  as  soon  as  they  can  conveniently  de- 
cide, that  I  may  withhold  myself  from  other  en- 
gagements, which  may  interfere  with  the    time 


$4  MEMOIRS  OF  THE    LATE 

they  may  appoint.  I  entreat  you  to  make  my 
Christian  respects  acceptable  to  the  gentleman 
who  compose  the  Society,  and  assure  yourseif 
that  I  am,  dear  sir,  respectfully  and  affectionate- 

iy. 

Your  brother,  in  our  Lord  Jesus, 

S.  P." 

C00C0000G0O 

The  invitation  was  repeated,  and  he  complied 
with  their  request,  engaging  to  go  over  in  the 
month  of  June,   1796 

A  little  before  tins  journey,  it  occurred  to  Dr. 
Rvland,  that  an  itinerating  mission  into  Cornwall 
might  be  of  use  to  the  cause  of  true  religion,  and 
that  two  acceptable  ministers  might  be  induced 
to  undertake  it  ;  and  that  if  executed  during  the 
vacation  a;  the  Bristol  Academy,  two  ol  the 
students  might  supply  their  place.  He  commu- 
nicated his  thoughts  to  Mr.  Pearce,  who  wrote 
thus  in  answer  : — 

"  May  30,  1796. 
"  My  very  dear  Brother, 

"  I  Lbank  you  a  thousand  times  for  your 
last  letter.  B  essed  be  God  who  hath  put  it  into 
your  heart  to  .propose  such  a  plan  for  increasing 
the  boundaries  of  Z.on.  I  have  re  id  your  letter 
to  our  wisest  friends,  and  they  heard  it  with  great 
joy.  The  plan  ;  the  place  ;  the  mode  ;  the 
persons  ;  ail,  all  meet  our  most  affectionate  wish- 
es. How  dui  such  a  scheme  never  enter  our 
minds  before  !  Aias,  we  have  nothing  in  our 
hearts  that  is  worm  having,  save  what  God  pats 
theie.  D  >  write  to  riie  when  at  D  *bun,  and 
teil  me  whether  it  be  resolved  on  ;  when  they  set 
out,  &c.  ?     L  hope  ere  long  to  hear,  that  as  ma- 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEAfcSE.  €'£ 

ov  disciples  are    employed  in   Great-Britain,  as 
♦tie  Saviour  employed  in  j  idea.     When  he  gives 

the  word,  great    will    be    the    company  ot   the 
pic  iChers. 

"  Oh,  my  dear  brother,  let  us  go  on  still  pray- 
ing, contriving,  labouiing,  defending,  until  '  the 
Jittle  leaven  leaveneth  the  whole  lump,  and  the 
small  stone  from  the  mountain  fill  tile  whole 
earth.' 

44  What  pleasures  do  those  lose  who  have  no 
interest  in  God's  gracious  and  holy  cause  !  How 
thankful  should  we  be,  that  we  are  not  strangers 
to  the  joy  which  the  friends  of  Zion  feel  when 
the  Lord  turneth  again  Zu>n's  captivity, 

I  am,  beyond  expression, 
Your  affectionate  brother  in  Chrisf, 

S.  P.1' 

0000000000 

On  May  31  he  setoff  for  Dublin,  and  u  the 
Lord  prospered  his  way,  so  that  he  ariived  at 
the  time  appointed  ;  and  from  every  account  it 
appears,  that  he  was  not  only  sent  in  the  fulness 
of  the  blessing  of  the  gospel  of  peace,  but  that  the 
Lord  himself  went  with  him.  His  preaching  was 
not  only  highly  acceptable  to  eveiy  class  of  hear- 
ers, but  the  word  came  from  him  with  power, 
and  there  is  abundant  reason  to  beiieve,  that  ma- 
ny will  through  eternity  praise  God  for  sending 
'his  message  to  them  by  this  dear  ambassador  of 
Christ.  His  memory  lives  in  their  hearts,  and 
they  join  with  the  other  churches  of  Chris:  in 
deploring  the  loss  they  have  sustained  by  his 
death. 

"  He  was  earnestly  solicited  by  the  Evangel- 
ical Society  to  renew  his  visit  to  that  kingdom  in 
'1798.  Ready  to  embrace  every  call  of  duty,  he 
had  signified  his  compliance  ;  and  the  time  was 

G 


$6  MEMOIRS  6F  THE  LATE 

fixed  :  but  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  rebellioa 
prevented  him  from  realizing  his  intention. 
This  was  a  painful  disappointment  to  many,  who 
wished  once  more  to  see  his  face,  and  to  have 
heard  the  glad  tidings  from  his  lips." 

Such  is  the  brief  account  of  his. visit  to  Dublin, 
given  by  Dr.  Mc.  Dowal.  The  following  letter 
was  written  to  Mrs.  Pearce,  when  he  had  been 
there  a  little  more  than  a  week  : — 

u  Dublin ,  June  31,   1796. 

u  I  LONG  to  know  how  you  do,  and  you 
will  be  as  much  concerned  to  know  how  I  go  on 
at  this  distance  from  you.  I  haste  to  saiisfy  your 
inquiries. 

11  I  am  in  perfect  health  :  am  delightfully  dis- 
appointed with  the  place,  and  its  inhabitants.  I 
am  very  thankful  that  I  came  over.  I  have  found 
much  more  religion  here  already  than  I  expected 
to  meet  with  during  the  whole  of  my  stay.  The 
prospect  of  usefulness  is  flattering.  I  have  already- 
many  more  friends  (I  hope  Christian  friends) 
than  I  can  gratify  by  visits.  Many  doors  are 
open  for  preaching  the  gospel  in  the  city  ;  and 
my  country  excursions  will  probably  oe  few. 
Thus  much  for  outline. 

"  But  you  will  like  to  know  howl  spend  my 
time,  &c.     Well  then  :  I  am  at  the   house  of  a 

Mr.   H ',  late    High-Sher.ff  for  the   city  :  a 

gentleman  of  opulence,  respectability,  and  evan- 
gelical piety.  He  is  by  profession  a  Calvinistic 
presbyterian  ;  an  elder  of  Dr.  Mc.  DowaTs 
church  ;  has  a  most  amiable  wife,  and  four  chil- 
dren. I  am  very  thankful  for  being  placed  here 
during  my  stay.  I  am  quite  at  home,  I  mean  as 
to  ease  and  familiarity  ;  for  as  to  style  of  liv- 
ing, I  neither  do,  nor  desire  to  equal  it. 
Yet  in  my  present  situation  it  is  convenient.  It 
would,  howeverf  be   sickening  and  dull,  had  I 


AIR.  SAMUEL  £EARQ£,  61 

not  a  God  to  go  to,  to  converse  with,  to  enjoy* 
and  to  CdWinij  ozi'ti.     Oh,  'tis    this,  'tis  this,  my 
clearest  Sarah,  which  gives    a  point  to  every  en 
jovment,  and  sweetens  all  the  cup  of  life. 

?«  f'he  Lord's  day  after  I  wrote  to  you  last.  I 
preached  for  Dr.  Mc  Dowal  in  the  morning  at 
half  past  eleven  ;  heard  a  Mr.  Kilburne  at  five  j 
and  preached  again  at  Piunket- street  at  seven. 
On  Tuesday  evening  I  preached  at  an  hospital, 
and  on  Thursday  evening  at  Plunktt-stieet 
again.  Yes'eiday,  for  the  Baptists  in  the  morn- 
ing, Dr.  Mc.  Dowal  at  "five,  and  at  Piunket- 
street  at  seven. 

'•  Tlld  hours  of  worship  will  appear  singular 
to  you  :  they  depend  on  the  usual  meal  times. 
We  breakfast  at  ten  ;  dine  between  four  and 
live,  sometimes  between  five  and  six  ;  take  tea 
from  seven  to  nine  ;  and  sup  from  ten  to  twelve. 

"I  thank  God  that  I  possess  an  abiding  deter- 
mination to  aim  at  the  consciences  of  the  people 
in  every  discourse.  I  have  borne  the  most  pos- 
itive testimony  against  the  prevailing  evils  of 
professors  here  : — as,  sensuality,  gaiety,  vain 
amusements,  neglect  of  the    Sabbath,  &c.  ;  and 

**m  ingtfij  ioiu  an  immense  crowa  or  proressors 
of  the  first  rank,  *  that  if  they  made  custom  and 
fashion  their  plea,  they  were  awfully  deluding 
their  souls  ;  for  it  had  always  been  the  fashion  to 
insult  God,  to  dissipate  time,  and  to  pursue  the 
bread  road  to  hell  ;  but  it  would  not  lessen  their 
torments  there,  that  the  way  to  damnation  was 
the  fashion.' 

"  I  expected  my  faithfulness  would  have  giv- 
en them  offence  ;  but  1  am  persuaded  it  was  the 
way  to  please  the  Lord,  and  those  whom  I  ex- 
pected would  be  enemies,  are  not  only  at  peace 
with  me,  but  even  renounce  their  sensual  indul- 
ge ncics  to  attend  on  my  ministry.  I  do  assured- 
ly believe  that  God  hath  sent  me  hither  for  goodf- 


68  MEMOIRS  dF  THE  LATZ 

The  five  o'clock  meetings  are  miserably  attended 
in  general.  In  a  house  that  will  hold  1,300,  or 
2,000  people,  you  will  hardly  see  above  fifty  S 
"Yesterday  morning  I  preached  on  the  subject  of 
public  worship,  from  Psalm  v.  7,  and  seriously 
warned  them  against  preferring  their  bellies  to 
God,  and  their  own  houses  to  his.  I  was  delight- 
ed dnd  surprised,  at  the  five  o'clock  meeting  to  see 
She  place  nearly  full.  Surely  this  is  the  Lord's 
doing,  and  it  is  marvellous  in  my  eyes.  Never, 
never  did  I  more  feel  how  weak  1  am  in  myself, — 
a  mere  nothing  ;  and  'how  strong  I  am  in  t'.e 
omnipotence  of  God.  I  feel  a  superiority  to  all 
fear,  and  possess  a  conscious  dignity  in  being 
the  ambassador  of  God.  Oh  help  me  to  praise, 
for  it  is  he  alone  who  teacheth  my  hands  to  war, 
and  my  fingers  to  fight :  and  still  pray  for  me  ; 
for  if  he  withdraw  for  a  moment,  I  become  as 
weak  and  unprofitable  as  the  briars  of  the  wilder- 
ness. 

fl  You  cannot  think  how  much  I  am  supported 
by  the  assurance  that  I  have  left  a  praying  people 
ai  Birmingham  ;  and  I  believe,  that  in  answer  to 
their  prayers  I  have  hitherto  been  wonderfully 
assisted  in  my  puuuc  woi"*£,  a^  WCil  aa  Cr.jGyeu 
much  in  private  devotion. 

isI  have  formed  a  most  pleasing  acquaintance 
with  several  serious  young  men  in  the  University 
here,  and  with  two  of  the  fellows  of  the  College  ; 
most  pious  gentlemen  indeed,  who  have  under- 
gone a  world  of  reproach  for  Christ  and  his  gos- 
pel, and  have  been  forbidden  to  preach  in  the 
churches  by  the  Archbishop  :  but  God  has  raised  . 
another  house  for  them  here,  where  they  preach 
with  much  success,  and  have  begun  a  meeting 
in  the  College,  which  promises  fresh  prosperity 
to  the  cause  of  Jesus." 

The  following  particulars,  in  addition  to  the 
above,  are  taken  partly  from   some  notes  ki  his 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEA.RCE.  69 

own  hand  writing,  and  partly  from  the  account 
given  bv  his  friend,  Mr.  Summers,  who  accom- 
panied him  during  the  latter  part  of  his  visits. 

At  his  first  arrival,  the  congregations  were  but 
thinly  attended,  and  the  Baptist  congregation  in 
particular,  amongs.  whom  he  delivered  several 
discourses.  It  much  affected  him  to  see  the 
whole  city  given  to  sensuality  and  worldly  con- 
formity ;  and  especially  to  find  those  of  his  own 
denomination  amongst  the  lowest,  and  least  af- 
fected wTith  their  condition.  But  the  longer  he 
continued,  the  moie  the  congregations  increased, 
and  every  opportunity  became  increasingly  in- 
teresting, botn  to  him  and  them.  His  faithful 
remonstrances,  and  earnest  recommendations  of 
prayer-meetings  to  his  Baptist  friends,  though  at 
first  apparently  ill  received,  were  well  taken  in 
the  end  ;  and  he  had  the  happiness  to  see  in  thenx 
some  hopeful  appearances  of  a  return  to  God. 
On  June  the  20th  he  wrote  to  his  friend,  Mr, 
Summers,  as  follows: — ■ 

*!  My  dear  friend, 

"  lF  you  mean  to  abide  by  my  opinion, 
I  say,  come  to    Dublin,  and    come  directly  !   I 
have  been  most  delightfully  disappointed.    1  ex- 
pected   darkness,    and    behold,    light  ;  sorrow, 
an;Ji  1  have  had  cause  f  »r  abundant  joy.      I  thank 
God  that  I  came  hither,  and  hope  that  many,   as 
v,vii  as   myself,  will  have   cause    to  praise  hi rn. 
Never  have  I  been  more  deeply  taught  my  own 
nothingness  :  never  hath  the  power  of  God  more 
evidently  rested  upon  me.     The  harvest  here  is 
great  indeed  •  and  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  hath 
enabled  me  to  labour  in  it  with  delight. 
*  I  praise  him  for  all  that  is  past  ; 
I  tiust  him  for  all  that's  to  come.* 
"  The  Lord    hath    of    late   been    doing   great 
th.i.gs  for  Dublin.     Several  of  the  young  men  in 
c  2 


70  MEMOIRS    OF    THE    LATE 

the  college  hive  been  awakened  ;  and  two  of  the 
fellows  are  sweet  evangelical  preachers.  One  of 
them  is  of  a  spirit  serene  as  the  summer  evening, 
and  sweet  as  the  breath  of  May.  I  am  already 
intimate  with  them,  and  have  spent  several 
mornings  in  college  with  various  students,  who 
bid  fair  to  be  faithful  watchmen  on  Jerusalem's 
walls.  But  I  hope  you  will  come  ;  and  then  you 
will  see  for  yourself.  If  not,  I  will  give  you  some 
pleasant  details  when  we  meet  in  England. 

S.  P." 

0000000000 

Mr.  Summers  complied  with  this  invitation  g 
and  of  the  last  seven  or  eight  days  of  Mr.  Pearce's 
continuance  at  Dublin,  he  himself  thus  writes  : — 

"Monday,  July  4.  At  three  in  the  afternoon 
I  went  with  my  friend,  Mr.  Summers,  to  Mr. 
K— 's.     Spent  a  very  agreeable  day.     Miss  A, 

K remarked    two   wonders    in    Dublin: — a 

praying  society  composed  of  students  at  college^ 
and  another  of  lawyers.  The  family  were  called 
together.  We  sung:  I  read,  and  expounded 
thexii  chapter  of  Isaiah  ;  and  praved. — At  seven 
we  went  to   a   prayer  meeting  at  Piunket-stieet  : 

very     large     attendance.     Mr.    R and    Mr. 

S prayed,  ano  1  spoke  from  Rom.  x.  12.  13. 

There  is  no  difference  between  the  Jew  and  the 
Greek  :  for  the  same  Lord  over  all  is  rich  unto 
nil  who  call  upon  him.  Fur  whosoever  shall  call 
-upon  the  name  of  the  Lord,  shall  be  saved. — Ma- 
ny seemed  affected. — After  I  had  closed  the  op- 
portunity, I  told  them  some  of  my  own  experi- 
ence, and  requested,  that  if  any  present  wished 
for  conversation,  they  would  come  to  me,  either 
that  evening,  or  on  Thursday  evening  in  the  ves- 
try.— Five  persons  came  in  : — one  had  been  long 
impressed  with  religion,  but  could  neve*  sihji- 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  71 

mon  courage  enough  to  open  her  heart  before. 
Another,  a  Miss  W ,  attnbuted  her  hist  im- 
pressions, under  God,  to  my  ministry  ;  and  told 
me  that  her  father  had  regularly  attended  of  lai.e, 
and  that  her  mother  was  so  much  alarmed  as  to 
be  almost  in  despair.  Poor  girl  !  she  seemed 
truly  in  earnest  about  her  own  soul,  and  as  much 
concerned  tor  her  parents. — The  next  had  pos- 
sessed a  serious  concern  for  some  time,  and  of 
late  had  been  much  revived. — One  young  lady 
a  Miss  H ,  staid  in  the  meeting-house,  ex- 
ceedingly affected  indeed.     Mr.  K spoke  to 

her — She  said,  she  would  speak  with  me  on 
Thursday. 

"Tuesday,  5th.  Went  to  Leislip.  At  seven — * 
preached  to  a  large  and  affected  auditory. 

"Wednesday,    6th.     Mi.   H and   myself 

went  to  Mrs.  Mc.  G ,  to    enquire    about  the 

young  lady  who  was  so   much    affected  at  the 

meeting.     Mrs.  Mc.  G said  her  mother  and 

sister  were  pious  ;  that  she  had  been  veiy  giddy; 
but  that  last  Lord's  day  she  was  seriously  awaken- 
ed to  a  sense  ot  sin  ;  had  expressed  her  delight 
in  religion,  and  fled  for  refuge  to  the  blood  of 
Jesus. — Her  sister  was  introduced  to  me  ;  a 
sweetly  pious  lady. — 1  agreed  to  wait  for  an  in- 
terview  with  the  young  iady  at  Mr.  H :£,  in 

Eccles-street,  to-morrow. 

"  Thursday,  7th.     Miss  II ,  her  sister,  and 

Mis.    Mc.   G ,  came     to     Eccles-street. — A 

most  delightful  interview.  Seldom  have  I  seen 
such  proiiciency  in  so  short  a  time. — That  day 
week,  at  Piunket-strcet,  she  received  her  first 
sciious  impressions.  Her  concern  deepened  at 
Mass  Lane,  on  Lord's- dav  morning- — more  so  in 
the  evening  at  P  unket-streei—  but  most  of  ail  on 
Monday  night. — I  eihorted  them  to  bvgin  a  pray- 
er and  experience  meeting  :  and  they  agreed. 
Blessed   be    God!  this   strengthens   sny  hands 


72  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

greatly. — At  seven  o'clock,  preached  at  Piunket- 
street,  from  Jer.  I.  4X  5.  Going  and  weeping  — 
they  shall  ask  the  way  to  Zion  with  their  J  aces 
thitherwards — A  full  house  ;  arid  an  impressive 
season.  i  anied  after  the  public  services  were 
ended,  to  converse  on  religion.  The  most  pleas- 
ing case  was  a  young  man  of  Mr.  D 's. 

Saturday    9ih.     Went    with     my   friend   Mr. 

S ,  to  call  on  Miss  H — -.     Found  her  at  her 

mother's — We  first  passed  the  door — Sue  ran 
out  after  us — Seemed  happy  ;  but  agitated.  Ran,. 
and  called  her  mother — Soon  we  saw  the  door 
of  the  parlour  open,  and  a  majestic  lady  appear- 
ed ;  who,  as  she  entered  the  room,  thus  accosted 
me: — 'Who  art  thou,  oh  blessed  of  the  Lord  r 
Welcome  to  the  widow's  house!  Accept  the 
widows  thanks  for  coming  after  the  child  whom 
thou  hast  begotten  in  the  gospel  !' — 1  was  too 
much  overcome  to  do  more  than  take  bv  the  hand 
the  aged  saint  A  solemn  silence  ensued  for  a 
minute  or  two  ;  when  the  old  lady  recovering, 
expressed  the  fulness  of  her  satisfaction  respect- 
ing the  reality  of  the  change  effected  in  her 
daughter,  and  her  gratitude  for  great  refreshment 
of  her  own  soul,  by  means  of  mv  poor  labours. 
She  said,  she  had  known  the  L<rd  during  forty- 
years,  being  called  under  the  ministry  of  John 
Fisher,  in  the  open  air,  when  on  a  visit  to  an 
officer  who  was  her  brother-in-law.  She  told  us 
much  of  her  experience,  and  promised  to  en- 
courage the  prayer-meeting,  w.hich  I  proposed 
to  be  held  in  her  house  every  Lord's-day  evening. 
They  are  to  begin  to-morrow  after  preaching. — It 
was  a  pleasant  meeting  ;  and  we  returned  with 
pleasure  to  Eccles-street.  After  we  rose  up  to 
come  away,  the  old  lady  affectionately  said, 
*  May  the  good  wili  of  Him  who  dwelt  in  the 
bush  attend  you  wherever  you  go,  forever  and 
ever  !i; 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  tS 

The  young  lady  some  months   after  wrote  to 

Mr.  S ,  and  says,  amongst  other  things, — (<  I 

have  great  reason  to  be  thankful  for  the  many 
blessings  the  Lord  has  been  pleased  to  bestow 
upon  me,  and  in  particular  for  his  sending  Mr. 
Pearce  to  this  city  ;  and  that  through  his  means 
I  have  been  convinced  of  sin.  I  am  happy  to 
inform  you,  that  through  grace  I  am  enabsed  to 
walk  in  the  narrow  path.  The  Lord  has  taken 
away  all  desire  for  worldlv  company  ;  all  my  de- 
sires now  are  to  attend  on  the  means  of  grace. 
Blessed  be  his  name,  I  often  find  him  present  in 
them.  My  mother  and  I  often  remember  the 
happy  time  we  spent  in  your  company  at  our 
house.  She  often  speaks  of  it  with  gieat  pleasure 
and  blesses  the  Lord  for  the  change  which  grace 
has  wrought  iu  mc." 

'•Lord's  day,  lOlh.  (The  last  Sabbath.) 
Preached  in  the  morning  at  Mary's  abbey,  from 
Job  xxxiii.  21,  28.  Helooketh  upon  men,  and  if 
any  say,  I  have  sinned,  and  perverted  that  which 
was  right,  and  it  profiled  vie  not  ;  he  will  deliver 
his  soul  from  going'  into  the  pit,  and  his  lije  shall 
sec   the   light. — A  h«ppy  season. — In  the  after- 

"OH,  huTIng  dined  Willi   Mr.  W ,  he  took 

nie  to  Swift's  alley,  the  Baptist  place  of  worship, 
where  I'gave  an  exhortation  on  brotherly  love, 
and  administered   the    Lord's    supper.     At   Mr, 

W 's  motion,  the  church   requested   me    to 

look  out  a  suitable  minister  for  them. — In  the 
evening,  1  preached  at  Piunket-street,  from  2 
'iim.  i  18.  The  Lord  grant  unto  him,  that  he 
may  find  mercy  of  the  Lord  in  that  day  I — A  very 
Solemn  season. 

"Monday,  11th.  Met  the  dear  Christian 
friends,  for  the  last  time,  at  a  prayer-meeting 
in  Pionket-street. — The  Lord  was  there  ! — Sev- 
eral friends  spent  the  evening  with  us  afterwards 
a:  Mr,  H 's. 


74  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE       ' 

cs  Tuesday,  12th.  Went  aboard  at  four  ;  ar- 
rived at  Liverpool  on  Thursday  ;  and  safely  at 
home  on  Friday,  July  15,  1796.  Blessed  be  the 
Preserver  of  men,  the  Saviour  of  sinners,  and 
the  help  of  his  servants,  for  evermore,  amen, 
amen." 

Some  time  after,  writing  to  his  friend  who  ac- 
companied him,  hesavs,  "  I  have  received  sev- 
eral letters  from   Dublin  : — two  from  Master  B. 

one  from   Miss  H ,  one   from  M ,  three 

or  four  from  the  Baptist  friends,  and  some  from 

pthers,   whom  I  cannot  iecoliect. — Mr.  K « 

lately  called  on  me  in  his  way  from  Bath  to  Holy- 
head. We  talked  of  you,  and  ofoui  Lord,  and 
did  not  part  till  we  had  presented  ourselves  be- 
fore the  throne/' 

Daring  his  iabours  in  Dublin,  he  was  strongly 
solicited  to  settle  in  a  very  flattering  situation  in 
the  neighbourhood  if  and  a  very  liberal  salary 
was  offered  him.  On  his  positively  declining  it, 
mention  was  made  of  only  six  months  of  the 
year.  When  that  was  declined,  three  months 
were  proposed  ;  and  when  he  was  about  to  an- 
swer this  in  the  negative,  the  party  refused  to  re- 
ceive Lis  answer,  desiring  mm  to  rasr  rttnc  of 
consider  of  it.  He  did  so  ;  and  thaugh  he  enter- 
tained a  very  grateful  sense  of  the  kindness  and 
generosity  expressed  by  the  proposal,  yet  after 
the  matures!  deliberation,-  he  thought  it  his  duty 
to  decline  it.  Mr.  Pearce's  modesty  prevented 
his  talking  on  such  a  subject;  but  it  was  known 
at  the  time  by  his  friend  who  accompanied  him, 
and  since  his  death,  has  been  frequently  men- 
tioned as  an  instance  of  his  disinterested  spirit. 

His  friends  at  Birmingham  were  ready  to  think 
Jt  hard  that  he  should  be  so  willing  to  leave  them 

*  At  the  Black  Rock,  the  rtfidence  of  fome  of  the 
^aoR  genteel  families  in  the  vicinity  of  Dublin* 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  *!o 

to  go  on  a  mission  among  the  heathen  ;  but  they 
could  not  well  complain,  and  much  less  think  ill 
of  Him,  when  they  saw  that  such  a  willingness 
was  more  than  could  be  effected  by  the  most 
flattering  prospects  of  a  worldly  nature,  accom- 
panied too  with  promising  appearances  of  reli- 
gious usefulness. 

About  a  month  after  his  return  from  Dublin, 
Mr.  Pear*  e  addressed  a  letter  to  Mi.  Carey,  in 
which  lie  gives  some  fartner  account  of  Ireland, 
as  well  as  of  some  other   interesting   matters: — ■ 

"  Birmingham i  August  12,    1796, 

<cOH  my  deai  bi  ither,  did  you  but  know  with 
what  feelings  1  resume  my  pen,  freely  to  cones- 
pond  with  you  after  receiving  your  very  affection- 
ate ietterto  mvself,  and  perusing  that  which  you 
sent  by  the  same  conveyance  to  the  5  ciety,  lam 
sure  you  would  persuade  yourself  that  1  have  no 
common  friendship  for  vou,  and  that  v our  regards 
are  at  ledSt  returned  with  equal  ardour. 

"  i  fear  (L  had  almost  said)  that  1  shall  never 
see  your  face  in  the  flesh,  but  •("  any  thing  can  add 
to  the  joy  which  the  presence  of  Christ,  and  con- 
formity, perfect  conformity,  to  him  will  afford 
in  heaven,  surely  the  certain  prospect  of  meeting 
with  my  dear  brother  Carey  there,  is  one  of  (if 
notj  the  greatest.  Thrice  happy  should  1  be,  if  the 
providence  of  God  would  open  away  for  partaking 
of  your  labours,  your  sufferings,  and  your  pleas- 
ures on  this  side  the  eternal  world  :  but  all  my 
brethren  here  are  of  a  mind  that  I  shall  be  more 
useful  at  home  than  abroad  ;  and  I,  though  re- 
luctantly, submit.  Yet  I  am  truly  with  you  in 
spirit.  My  heart  is  at  Mudnabatly,  and  at  times 
1  even  hope  to  rind  my  body  there  :  but  with  the 
Loid  I  leave  it  ;  He  knows  my  wishes,  my  mo- 
tives,  my  regret  ;  He  knows  all  my  soul  ;  and 
depraved  as  it  is?  I  feel  an  inexpressible  sutisfac- 


• 


76  MEMOIRS  OF  THF  LATE 

tion  that  he  does  know  it.  However,  it  is  a  hew- 
bhng  thought  to  me,  that  he  sees  I  am  unfit  for 
Such  a  station,  and  unworthy  such  an  honour 
as  to  bear  his  name  among  the  heathen.  But  I 
must  be  thankful  st;ll,  that  though  he  appoints 
me  not  to  a  post  in  foreign  service,  he  will  allow 
me  to  stand  centine!  at  home.  In  this  situation 
mav  I  have  grace  t<>  be  faithful  unto  death. 

"  I  hardly  wonder  at  your  being  pa:ned  on 
account  of  the  effects  produced  in  the  mines  of 
your  European  friends,  by  the  news  of  your  en- 
gagement in  the  Indigo  business,  because  1  ima- 
gine you  are  ignorant  of  the  process  of  that  mat- 
ter amongst  us.  When  I  received  the  news,  I 
glopfied  God  in  sincerity,  on  account  of  it,  and 
gave  most  hearty  thanks  to  him  for  his  most  gra- 
cious appearance  on  voui  behalf:  but  at  the  same 
time  I  feared,  lest  through  that  undertaking,  the 
work  of  the  Mission  might  in  some  way  or  other 
be  impeded.  The  same  impression  was  made 
on  the  minds  of  many  others  :  yet  no  blame  was 
attached,  in  our  view,  to  you.  Our  minds  were 
only  alarmed  for  the  future  :  not  disposed  to  cen- 
sure for  the  past.  Had  you  seen  a  faithful  copy 
of  the  prayers,  the  praises  and  the  conversation 
of  the  day  in  which  your  letters  were  read,  1  know 
you  would  not  have  entertained  one  unkind 
thought  of  the  Society  towards  you.  Oh  no,  my 
dear  brother,  far  be  it  from  us  to  lay  an  atom  up- 
on your  spirits  of  a  painful  nature.  Need  I  say5 
We  do  love,  we  do  respect  you,  we  do  confide 
too  much  in  you  to  design  the  smallest  occasion 
of  distress  to  vour  heart.  But  1  close  this  subject. 
In  future  we  will  atone  for  an  expression  that 
might  bear  an  harsh  construction.  We  will 
strengthen,  we  will  support,  we  will  comfort, 
we  will  encourage  you  in  your  arduous  work  : — 
all,  all  shall  be  love  and  kindness  ;  glory  to  G^d, 
and  good  will  to  men.     If  I  have  done  aught  that 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  77 

tt  wrong,  as  an  individual,  pardon  me  :  If  we  have 
said  aught  amiss,  as  a  Society,  pardon  us  Li  us 
forbear  one  another  in  love,  forgiving  one  another, 
even  as  God  foi  Cm  isi'>  sake  hath  forgiven  us, 

41  Bv  the  time  this  Reaches  vou,  I  hope  you  will 
have  received  Nos.  I.  and  II.  of  Periodical  Ac- 
counts. Should  vou  tind  any  thing  m  them,  which 
you  think  had  better  be  omitted,  pray  be  free  in 
mentioning  it,  and  in  future  your  instructions  shall 
be  fully  a, tended  io.  We  have  taken  all  the  pains, 
e  caution  in  oui  power  to  render  them 
ionabie  ;  but  you  can  better  judge  in  some 
respects  than  we.  If  you  should  not  approve  of 
all  (though  we  are  not  conscious  of  any  thing  that 
you  will  disapprove)  you  will  not  be  offended,  but 

;  ve  we  have  done  our  best,  and  with  your  re- 
marks, hope  to  do  better  stiii. 

"  With  pleasure,  approaching  to  rapture,  T  read 
the  last  accounts  you  sent  us.  I  never  expected 
immediate  success:  the  prospect  is  truly  greater 
than  my  most  sanguine  hopes.  "  The  kingdom 
of  heaven  isliketo  a  little  leaven  hid  in  three  meas* 
yresofmeal,  till  the  o?A0&  is  leavened.'1  Blessed  be 
God  :  the  leaven  is  in  the  meal,  and  its  influence  is 
already  discoverable.  A  great  God  is  doing  great 
tilings  by  you.  Go  on,  my  dearest  brother,  go  on  ; 
God  will  do  greater  things  than  these.      Jesus  is 

thy  a  world  of  praise  :  and  shall  Hindostan  not 

se  him?  Suiely  he  shall  see  of  the  travail  of  his 
soul  ikcrcj  and  the  sower  and  the  reaper  shall  rejoice 
together.     Already  the  empire  of  darkness  tolters, 
and  soon  it  shall  doubtless  fail.   Bies^ed  be  the  la- 
bourers in  this  important  work  £  and  blessed  he  He 
whogiveth  them  hearts  and  strength  to  labour,  and 
s  that  they  shall  not  labour  in  vain  ! 
"  Do  not  fear  the  want  of  money.   GWisforus, 
and  the  silver  aud  the  go;d  are  his  arc!  so  are  the 
those  who  possess  the  most  of  it.     I  will 

el  from  the  Land's  end  to  the  Orkne j  rs  but  v/c 
ii 


73  MEMOIRS    OP  THE    LATE 

will  get  money  enough  for  all  the  demands  of  the 
mission.  I  have  never  had  a  fear  on  that  head; 
a  little  exertion  will  do  wonders  ;  and  past  experi- 
ence justifies  every  confidence.  Men>  we  only 
want ;  and  God  shall  find  them  for  us  in  due  time. 

"  Is  brother  Fountain  arrived  ?  We  hope  he  will 
be  an  acceptable  remittance,  and  viva  voce,  com- 
pensate for  the  lack  of  epistolary  communications. 

"  I  rejoice  in  contemplating  a  church  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  Bengal,  formed  upon  his  own 
plan.  Why  do  not  the  Hindoo  converts  join  it  ? 
Lord,  help  their  unbelief!  But  peihaps  the  drop 
is  now  withheld,  that  you  may  by  and  by  have 
the  shower,  and  lift  up  your  eyes,  and  say,  "These, 
whence  came  they  ?  They  fly  as  clouds,  and  as 
doves  to  their  windows."  For  three  years,  we 
read  of  few  baptized  by  the  first  disciples  of  oup 
Lord  ;  but  on  the  fourth,  three  thousand,  and  five 
thousand  openly  avowed  him.  The  Lord  send 
you  such  another  Pentecost ! 

ft<  I  intend  to  write  my  dear  brother  a  long  letter. 
It  will  prove  my  desire  to  gratify  him,  if  it  do  no 
more.  I  wish  that  I  knew  in  what  communica- 
tions your  other  correspondents  will  be  most  de- 
•ficient :  then  I  would  try  to  supply  their  omissions,, 

w  I  will  begin  with  myself:  but  I  have  nothing 
good  to  say.  I  think  I  am  the  most  vile  ungrate- 
ful servant  that  ever  Jesus  Christ  employed  in  his 
church.  At  some  times  I  question  whether  I  ever 
knew  the  grace  of  God  in  truth  ;  and  at  others,  I 
hesitate  on  the  most  important  points  of  Christ- 
ian faith.  I  have  lately  had  peculiar  struggles  of 
this  kind  with  my  own  heart,  and  have  often  half 
concluded  to  speak  no  more  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord.  When  I  am  preparing  for  the  pulpit  I 
fear  I  am  going  to  avow  fables  for  facts,  and  doct- 
rines of  men  for  the  truths  of  God.  In  conversa- 
tion I  am  obliged  to  be  silent,  lest  my  tongue 
?hould  belie  my  heart,    la  prayer  I  know  not 


MR.    SAMUEL  PEARCE,  *7$ 

what  to  say,  and  at  times  think  prayer  altogether 
useless.  Yet  1  cannot  wholly  sui render  my  hope, 
or  my  profession.  Three  things  1  find,  above  all 
others,  tend  to  my  preservation  : — First,  a  recol- 
lection of  a  time,  when,  at  once,  I  was  brought  to 
abandon  the  practice  of  sins,  which  the  fear  of 
damnation  could  never  bring  me  to  relinquish  be- 
fore. Surely  I  say,  this  must  be  the  finger  of  God, 
according  to  the  scripture  doctrine  of  regenera- 
tion : — Secondly,  I  feel  such  a  consciousness  of 
guilt,  that  nothing  but  the  gospel  scheme  can  sat- 
isfy my  mind  respecting  the  hope  of  salvation  : — * 
and,  Hiirdly,  I  see  that  what  true  devotion  does 
appear  in  the  world,  seems  only  to  be  found  a- 
niong  those  to  whom  Christ  is  precious. 

M  But  I  frequently  find  a  backwardness  to  se- 
cret prayer,  and  much  deadnessin  it  :  and  it- 
puzzles  me  to  see  how  this  can  be  consistent  with 
a  life  of  grace.  However,  I  resolve,  that  let 
what  will  become  of  me,  I  will  do  all  1  can  for 
God  while  I  live,  and  leave  the  rest  to  him  ; 
and  this  I  usually  experience  to  be  the  best  waj 
to  be  at  peace. 

"  I  beiieve,  that  if  I  were  more  fully  given  up 
to  God,  I  should  be  free  from  these  distressing 
workings  of  mind  ;  and  then  I  long  to  be  a  Mis- 
sionary where  1  should  have  temptations  to  noth- 
ing but  to  abound  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  and  lay 
myself  entirely  out  for  him.  In  such  a  situation, 
I  think  pride  would  have  but  little  food,  and  faith 
more  occasion  for  exercise  ;  so  that  the  spiritual 
life,  and  inward  religion,  would  thrive  better. 
than  they  do  now. 

"  At  times,  indeed,  I  do  feel,  I  trust,  genuine 
contrition,  and  sincerely  lament  my  short-com- 
ings before  God.  Oh  the  sweets  that  accompa- 
ny true  repentance  !  Yes,  I  love  to  be  abased 
before  God.  'There  it  is  I  find  my  blessing.* 
May  the  Lord  daily  and  hourly  bring  me  low, 
and  keep  me  so  ! 


SO  MEMOIRS  OF  THE   LATE 

"  As  to  my  public  work,  I  find,  whilst  engaged 
in  it,  little  cause  to  complain  for  want  cither  for 
matter  or  words.  My  labours  are  acceptable, 
and  not  altogether  unprofitable  to  the  hearers  : 
but  what  is  this  to  me  ?  if  my  own  soul  starves 
whilst  others  are  fed  by  me  ?  Oh,  my  brother, 
I  need  your  prayers,  and  I  feel  a  great  satisfaction 
in  the  hope  that  you  do  not  forget  me.  Oh  that 
I  may  be  kept  faithful  unto  dc'ath  !  Indeed,  in 
the  midst  of  my  stragglings,  a  gieam  of  hope, 
that  I  shall  at  last  awake  in  the  likeness  of  God, 
affords  me  greater  joy  than  words  can  express. 
To  be  with  Christ,  is  far  better  than  to  continue 
sinning  here  :  but  if  the  Lord  hath  any  tiling  to 
do  by  me,   H!s  will  be  done. 

"  I  have  never  so  fully  opened  my  case  to  any 
one  before.  Your  freedom  on  similar  topics  en- 
courages me  to  make  my  complaint  to  you,  and  I 
think,  if  you  were  near  me,  I  should  feel  great 
relief  in  revealing  to  you  all  my  heart.  But  I 
shall  fatigue  you  with  my  moanings  ;  so  I  mfl 
have  done  on  this  subject. 

"  It  is  not  long  since  I  returned  from  a  kind  of 
a  mission  to  Ireland.  A  society  is  established  in 
Dublin  for  the  purpose  of  inviting  from  England, 
ministers  of  various  denominations,  to  assist  in 
promoting  the  interests  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ 
there.  Some  of  our  Baptist  brethren  had  been 
there  before  me.  as  Rippon,  Langdon,  Francis, 
and  Birt  ;  and  I  think  the  plan  is  calculated  for 
usefulness.  I  have,  at  Dr.  Rippon's  request, 
sent  him  some  remarks  on  my  visit,  for  the  Reg- 
ister ;  but  as  it  is  probable  you  will  receive  this 
"before  that  comes  to  hand,  I  will  say  something 
of  my  excursion  here. 

"  Having  engaged  to  spend  six  Lord's  days  in 
that  kingdom,  I  arrived  there  the  day  before  the 
first  Sabbath  in  June.  I  first  made  myself  ac- 
quainted with   the  general  state   of  relig: on  in 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCtf.  81 

Dublin.  I  found  there  were  four  Presbyterian 
congregations  ;  two  of  these  be'.ong  to  the  south- 
era  presbytery,  and  are  Arians  or  Socinians  ; 
the  other  two  are  connected  with  the  northern 
presbytery,  ana  retain  the  Westminister  con- 
fession of  faith.  One  of  these  latter  congrega- 
tions is  very  smali,  and  the  minister,  though  or- 
thodox, appears  to  have  but  iitlie  success  The 
other  is  large  and  flourishing  :  the  place  of  wor- 
ship ninety  feet  bv  seventy,  and  in  a  morning, 
well  rilled.  I  hen*  times  of  public  service  aie  at 
half  past  eleven,  and  five.  In  the  afternoon,  the 
usual  congregations  are  small  indeed  ;  for  five 
o'clock  is  the  dining  hour  in  Dublin,  and  few  of 
the  hearers  would  leave  their  dinners  for  the 
gospel.  Dr.  Mc.  Dowal  is  the  senior  pastor  o£ 
this  church, — a  very  affectionate,  spiritual  man. 
The  junior  is  Mr.  Horner.  The  doctor  is  a  warm 
friend  to  the  Society,  at  whose  request  I  went 
over  to  Ireland. 

4{  I'here  is  one  congregation  of  Burgher  Sece- 
ders,  and  another  of  Antiburghers.  The  latter 
will  not  hear  any  man  who  is  not  of  their  own 
cast  ;  the  former  are  much  more  liberal.  I 
preached  for  them  once,  and  they  affectionately 
solicited  3  repetition  of  my  services. 

u  Lady  Huntingdon's  connexion  has  one  soci* 
ety  here,  the  only  one  in  the  kingdom,  perhaps* 
except  at  Sligo,  where  there  is  another.  It  is  noC 
large,  and  I  fear  rather  declining.  There  is  not 
one  independent  church  in  the  kingdom.  There 
were  ten  Baptist  Societies  in  Ireland  ;  thev  are 
now  reduced  to  si:;  ;  and  are,  I  fear,  still  oa 
the  decline. 

"The  inhabitants  of  Dublin  seem  to  be  chiefly 
composed  of  two  classes  :  the  one  assume  the 
appearance  of  opulence  ;  the  other  exhibit  marks 
of  the  most  abject  poverty  ;  and  as  there  are  no 
parishes  in  Ireland  which  provide  fur  the  pocr^ 
V  2 


82  ^  MEMOIRS  OF  THE    LATE 

many  die  every  year  for  the  want  of  the  neces- 
saries of  life. 

"  Must  of  the  rich  are  by  profession  protest- 
anis  ;  the  poor  are  nearly  all  papists,  and  strong- 
ly prejudiced  against  the  reformed  religion. 
Their  ignorance  and  superstition  are  scarcely  in- 
ferior to  your  miserable  Hindoos.  On  midsum- 
mer day  I  had  an  affecting  proof  of  the  latter. 
On  the  public  road,  about  a  mile  from  Dublin,  is 
a  well,  which  was  once  included  in  the  precincts 
of  a  priory,  dedicated  to  S^.  John  of  Jerusalem. 
This  well  is  in  high  repute  for  curing  a  number 
of  bodiiy  complaints,  ana  ks  virtues  are  said  to  be 
most  efficacious  on  the  saint's  own  day.  So  from 
twelve  o'clock  at  night,  t<-r  twentv  four  hours,  it 
becomes  the  rendezvous  for  aii  the  lame,  blind, 
and  otherwise  diseased  peop.e,  within  a  circuit 
of  twenty  miles.  Here  they  brought  oid  and 
young,  and  applied  the  "  hoi  water,"  both  in- 
ternally and  externally  ;  Some  by  pouring,  some 
by  immersion,  and  all  bv  drinking  :  whilst,  for 
the  good  of  those  who  could  not  come  in  person, 
their  friends  filled  bottles  with  the  efficacious 
water  to  use  at  home.  Several  I  saw  on  their 
knees  before  the  well,  at  their  devotions, 
who  were  not  unfr-quentiv  interrupted  with  a 
glass  of  whiskev.  With  this  they  were  supplied 
from  a  number  of  dealers  in  that  article,  who 
kept  standings  all  round  the  well. 

"  Near  the  $pqt$  was  a  church-yard  where 
great  numbers  kneeled  upon  the  tombs  of  their 
deceased  relatives,  and  appeared  earnestly  en- 
gaged m  praving  for  the  repose  of  their  souls. 

u  h  was  truly   a  lamentable  sight.     My  heart 

ached  at  their  delusions,   whilst  I  felt  gratitude,  I 

hope,   unfeigned,  for  an   acquaintance  with   the 

*  water  of  life,  of  which,  if  a  man  drink,  he  shall 

.   live  forever  !' 

"  There  are  few,  or  none,  of  the  middle  class 
to  connect  the  rich  ajid  the  poor,  so  that  favour' 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEAPvGE.  83 

able  access  to  them  is  far  more  difficult  than  to 
the  lower  orders  of  the  people  in  England  ;  and 
their  priests  hold  them  in  such  bv>noage,  that  if 
a  catholic  servant  only  attend  on  family  worship 
in  a  protestant  house,  penance  must  be  perform- 
ed for  the  offence. 

S.  IV? 

00000000000 

Mention  has  already  been  made  of  his  having 
M  formed  a  pleasing  acquaintance  with  several 
serious  young  gentleman  of  the  University  of 
Dublin/5*  The  following  letter  was  addressed 
to  one  of  them,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Matthias,  a  few 
months  after  his  return  : — • 

"Dear  Brother  Matthiaa, 

"I  HAVE  been  employed  this  whole  day 
in  writing  letters  to  Dublin  ;  and  it  is  the  first  day 
1  have  been  ableto  redeem  for  that  purpose.  1  will 
not  consume  apagein  apology.  Let  it  suffice  to  say, 
that  necessity  not  disinclination,  has  detained  from 
my  Irish  friends,  those  proofs  of  m>  gratitude  and 
esteem,  which  fn  other  circumstances  I  ought  to 
have  presented  three  months  ago.  I  thought 
this  morning  of  answering  ail  their  demands  be- 
fore I  slept  :  but  1  have  written  so  many  sheets, 
and  all  lull,  that  i  find  my  eyes  and  mv  fingers 
both  fail ;  and  I  believe  this  must  close  mv  inter- 
course with  Dublin  this  day.  When  !  shall  be 
able  to  complete  my  purpose,  I  do  not  know. 
To  form  friendships  with  good  men  is  pleasant; 
but  to  maintain  all  imuniony  winch  friend- 

ship experts,  is    m   some    cases    very   difficult. 
H*;  Id  1  be.  could  tme  ■    sh  friends 

i  a  propria  person  a  j  in  ngifrs*«iii 

— — ■     i —~ --  -      ■       ■-  .     .  .   .   ■    m>^      i     -  .  ■  ■  m 

*  P.  08. 


84  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

and  maintaining,  by  the  tedious  medium  of  the 
pen,  this  distant  intercourse.  But,  The  Lardy 
he  shall  choose  our  inheritance  for  us.  \\  ere  all 
the  planets  of  our  system  embodied,  arid  placed 
in  close  association,  the  light  would  be  greater, 
and  the  object  grander  ;  but  then,  usefulness  and 
systematic  beautv  consist  in  their  dispersion  : 
and  what  are  we,  my  brother,  but  so  many  sa- 
tellites to  Jesus,  the  gieat  Sun  of  the  Christian 
system?  Some,  indeed,  like  burning  mercuries,, 
keep  nearer  the  luminary,  and  receive  mo-e  of 
its  light  and  heat,  whilst  others,  hke  the  ringed 
planet,  or  the  Georgium  Sidus,  pieserve  a  great- 
er distance,  and  reflect  a  greater  portion  of  his 
light :  yet  if,  amidst  all  this  diversity,  they  be~ 
long  to  the  system,  two  things  may  be  affirmed  of 
all  : — ail  keep  true  to  one  centre,  and  borrow1 
whatever  light  they  have  from  one  source,  irue 
it  is,  that  the  further  they  are  from  the  sun,  the 
longer  are  they  in  performing  their  revolutions  : 
and  is  not  this  exemplified  in  us  ?  The  closer  we 
keep  to  Jesus,  the  more  brilliant  are  our  graces, 
the  more  cheerful  and  active  are  our  lives  ;  but 
alas  we  are  ail  comets  ;  we  all  move  in  eccentric 
orbits  :  at  one  time  glowing  beneath  the  ray 
divine*  at  another  freezing  and  congealing  the 
icicles.     '  Oh  what  a  miracle  to  man  is  man  !' 

Ci  Little  did  I  think  when  I  begun  this  letter, 
that  I  should  have  thus  indulged  myself  in  aiiego- 
ry  :  but  true  friendship,  I  believe,  always  dic- 
tates extempore:  and  my  friends  must  never  ex- 
pect from  me  a  studied  epistle.  They  can  meet 
with  better  thoughts  than  I  can  furnish  them 
with,  in  any  booksellers  shop.  It  is  not  the  dish, 
however  well  it  may  be  cooked,  that  gves  the 
xeiish,  but  the  sweet  sauce  of  friendship  ;  and 
this,  I  think  sometimes,  makes  even  nonsense 
palatable. 


A.    SAMCLL    PEA  ROE. 

"  But  I  have  some  questions  to  put  to  yon  : — i 
first,  how  are  all  my  college  friends,  Messrs. 
Walker,  Maturin,  Hamilton,  he.  ?  How  is  their 
health  !  But  chiefly,  how  are  the  interests  of  re- 
ligion among  you.?  Are  any  praying  students 
added  to  your  number  ?  Do  all  (hose  you  thought 
well  of  continue  to  justify  their  profession  ?  You 
know  what  interests  me.  Pray  tell  me  all  whether 
it  makes  me  weep,  or  rejoice. 

<l  1  hope  Mr.  H 's  ministry  was  blessed  in 

Dublin.  Do  you  know  any  instances  of  it  ? 
Wc  must  sow  in  hope,  and  I  trust  thai  wre  shah 
ail  gather  fruit  to  eternal  life,  even  where  the 
buddings  have  never  appeared  to  us  in  this  world!. 
How  is  it  with  your  own  soul  ?  1  thank  God  I  ne- 
ver, I  think,  rejoiced  habitually  so  much  in  him 
as  I  have  done  of  late.  l  God  is  love.'  That 
makes  me  happy.  1  rejoice  that  God  reigns  ; 
that  he  reigns  overall  ;  that  he  reigns  ovcrw?<?; 
over  my  crosses,  my  comforts,  my  family,  my 
friends,  irfy  senses,  my  mental  powers,  my  de- 
signs, my  words,  my  preaching,  ray  conduct  ; 
that  he  is  God  over  all,  blessed  forever.  I  am 
willing  to  live,  yet  I  long  to  die,  to  be  freed 
from  «ll  error,  and  all  sin.  1  have  nothing  else 
to  trouble  me  ;  no  other  cross  to  carry.  The  sun 
shines  without  ail  day  long  ;  but  I  am  sensible  of 
internal  darkness.  Well,  through  grace,  it  shall 
II  tight  by  and  by.  Yes,  you  and  I  shall  be 
angels  of  right  ;  all  mercuries  then  ;  aii  near  the 
sun  ;  always  in  motion  ;  always  glowing  with  zeal, 
and  flaming  with  love.  Oh  for  the  new  heavens 
and  the  new  earth,  wherein  dwelleth  righteous- 
ness ! 

*  Oh  what  love  and  concord  there, 

And  what  sweet  harmony 

In  heaven  above,   where  happy  souls 

Adore  thy  Majesty. 
Oh  how    Ik-  heavenly  choirs  all  sing 
To  Him  who  sits  cmlirou'd  abov^: 


i»  MEM0IR9  OF  THE  LATI;- 

What  admiring  1 
And  aspiring  ! 
Still  desiring  :— 
Oh  how  I  long  to  fee  this  feast  of  love  !$ 

"  Will  you  tell  brother  M that  I  wait  an 

opportunity  to  send  a  parcel  to  him  ?  In  that  I  will 
inclose  a  letter.     My  very  affectionate  respects  to 

him,  and  Mr.  H ,  with  all  my  college  friends 

as  though  named.  If  you  be  not  weary  of  such 
an  eccentriccorrespondent,  praydonotbelongere 
you  write  to  your  unworthy  but  affectionate  brother 
in  Christ,  S.  P." 

000000000 

A  while  after  this,  he  thus  writes  to  his  friend, 
JMr.  Summers  : — 

Dec.  1796.  I  rejoice  that  you  have  been  sup- 
ported under,  and  brought  through  your  late  trials, 
I  do  not  wonder  at  it,  for  it  is  no  more  than  God 
has  promised ;  and  though  we  may  well  wonder 
that  he  promises  £ny  thing,  yet  his  performance 
Is  no  just  ground  of  surprise  ;  and  when  we  find 
ourselves  so  employed,  we  had  better  turn  our 
wonder  to  our  own  unbelief,  that  for  one  moment 
suspected  God  would  not  be  as  good  as  his  word. 

Si  I  have  been  lately  more  than  ever  delighted 
with  the  thought,  that  God  hath  engaged  to  do  a- 
ny  thing  for  such  worms  as  we.  1  never  studied 
the  deistical  controversy  so  much,  nor  ever  re- 
joiced in  revelation  more.  Alas  !  what  should  we 
know,  if  God  had  not  condescended  to  teach  us. 
Paul  very  justly  remarks,  that  no  one  knoweth  a- 
nv  thing  of  God,  but  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  he  to 
whom  the  Spirit  revealeth  him.  Now  the  Spirit 
hath  revealed  God  in  the  b.ble,  but  to  an  unbe- 
liever the  bible  is  a  sealed  book.  He  can  know 
nothing  from  a  book  that  he  le-oks  upon  as  an  in?- 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  87 

posture,  and  yet  there  is  no  other  book  in  which 
God  is  revealed  ;  so  that  to  reject  the  bible,  is  to 
immerse  ourselves  in  darkness,  and  whiist  pro- 
fessing to  be  wise,  actually  become  a  fool ;  where- 
as, no  sooner  do  we  believe  what  the  Spirit  saith, 
than  unto  us  God  is  revealed,  and  •  in  his  light  do 
we  see  light.'  S.  P." 

00000000000 

To  the  above  may  be  added,  a  few  extracts  of 
letters,  which  he  addressed  to  his  friends  in  17^7, 
and  1798. 

To  DR.  RYLAND. 

March,  1797. 

H  DURING  the  last  three  weeks,  1  have, 
-at  times,  been  very  poorly,  in  colds,  &c.  Am  bet- 
ter now,  and  have  been  all  along  assisted  in  going 
my  public  duties.  Let  us  continue  to  pray  for 
through  each  other,  till  death  makes  it  a  needless 
service.  How  uncertain  is  life,  and  what  a  blessing 
is  death  to  a  saint !  I  seem  lately  to  feel  a  kind  of 
affection  for  death.  Methinks  if  it  were  visible,  I 
Cv  uld  embrace  it.  *  Welcome  herald,  that  bids 
the  prisoner  be  free  ;  that  announces  the  dawn  of 
everlasting  day  ;  that  bids  the  redeemed  come  to 
Zion  with  everlasting  joy,  to  be  beyond  the  reach 
of  an  erroneous  judgment,  and  a  depraved  heart/ 
To  believe,  to  feel,  to  speak,  to  act  exactly  as  God 
will  have  me  ;  to  be  wholly  absorbed  and  taken 
up  with  him  ;  this,  this,  nothing  short  of  this  caa 
make  my  bliss  complete.  But  all  this  is  mine. 
Oh  the  height,  the  depth,  the  length,  the  breadth 
of  redeeming  love  !  It  conquers  my  heart,  and 
Constrains  me  to  yield  myself  a  living  sacrifice, 

acceptable  to  God,   through  Jesus  Christ. 

My  dear  brother,  we  have  had  many  happy  meet- 
ings upon  earth  :  the  best  is  in  reserve- 


MEMOIRS    OF  THE    LA?JE 

1  No  heart  upon  earth  can  conceive 

The  bliss  that  in  heaven  they  share  ; 
Then,  who  tins  dark  world  would  not  leave^ 

And  cheerful];,  die  to  be  there  ! 

M  Oli  how  full  of  love*  and  jov,  and  praise, 
(Shall  we  be  when  that  happy  state  is  ours  ! '  Well, 
yet  a  and   He  that  shall  come,   wijl 

come  n  so  come,    Lord  Jesus  !    My    dear. 

brother  forgive  the  hasty  effusi< 
loves  you  in   the  bowels  of  Jesus,  and  is  always 
happy  in  testifj  ing  itself  to  be 

Affectionately  yours, 

S.  P." 

O0O0000G0CO 

To  MR.  CAVE. 

On  the  f filling  away  of  some  who  had  promised 
fyirin  relig 


1797. 


f*  I  THANK  vou,  my  dear    brother,  for 
the  Confidence  you  repose  in  me,  the  affection 

you  have  iov  me,  and  the  freedom  with  which 
you  write  to  me.  Assure  yourself  that  I  sincere. 
!y  sympathize  in  the  cutting  events  which  you 
have  lately  experienced.  Irving  indeed  !  Your 
heart  must  bleed.  Yet  be  not  discouraged  in. 
your  work.  The  more  sdtmi  opposes  Christ,  the 
more  let  us  oppose  him.  He  comes  with  gieat 
violence  been  use  his  time  is  short.  His  kingdom 
is  on  the  decline;  his  strong  holds  are  besieged, 
and  he  knows  they  must  soon  be  taken.  Whilst 
it  lasts,  he  is  making  desperate  sallies  on  the  arm- 
ies of  the  Lamb,  It  is  no  great  wonder  that  he 
lights  and  wounds  a  raw  recruit  now  and  tbeif, 
who  strays  from  the  c 
danger,  keeps  not  close  by  tain's  tent.     I 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE,  $9 

iicpe  our  glorious  Leader  will  heal  the  wounded, 
arid  secure  the  captive.  He  is  sure  to  m  kc  re- 
prisals. Christ  will  have  ten  to  one.  You  will 
yet  see  his  arm  made  bare.  He  snail  go  forth 
like  a  man  of  war.  The  prisoners  shall  be  re- 
deemed, and  the  old  tyrant  shaJi  be  east  into  the 
bottomless  pit.  Be  of  good  cheer,  mv  tellow 
soldier.  The  cause  is  not  ours,  bit  God's.  Let 
us  endure  hardness,  and  still  tight  the  good  fig  tit 
of  faith.  At  last  we  shall  come  off  conquerors, 
through  Him  that  hath  loved  us. 

"  I  hope  you  have  some  causes  forjov,  as  well 
as  grief.  I  trust  though  one,  or  two,  or  three 
fail,  the  tens,  and  the  twenties  stand  their  ground. 
.Oh  do  what  you  can  to  cheer  them  under  the 
common  trial.  Let  them  not  see  a  faint  heart  in 
.you.  Fight  manfully  still.  Tell  them  to  watch 
the  more  ;  to  pray  the  harder  ;  to  walk  the  closer 
.with  God.  So  out  of  the  eater  shall  come  forth 
.meat,  and  sweetness  out  of  the  strong. 

S.  P." 

0OO0GC000O 

To  MR.  BATES  SC  MRS.  BARNES, 

Who  had  been  burnt  out  of  their  residence. 

"THE  many  expressions  of  Christian  friendship 
which  I  received  from  you,  and  your  affectionate 
:ics,  during  my  last  visit  to  London,  will  of- 
ten excite  grateful  recollection  in  future,  as  they 
have  almost  daily  since  I  parted  from  you  ;  and 
though  I  do  not  write  this  avowediy  as  a  mere 
ietter  of  acknowledgement,  yet  1  wish  it  to  as- 
sure you,  that  I  am  not  forgetful  of  my  friends, 
nor  unthankful  for  their  kindness.  May  all  the 
favour  you  shew  to  the  servants  of  our  common 
Lord  for  his  sake,  be  amply  recompensed  in 
present  peace,  and  future  felicity,  when  the 
r 


50  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

promise  of  him  who  cannot  lie,  shall  be  fulfilled, 
■ — '  A  cup  of  cold  water  given  to  a  disciple,  in 
the  name  of  a  disciple,  shall  not  lose  its  reward.' 

"  But,  whilst  you,  my  dear  friends,  live  'in 
hope  of  the  glory' that  remains  *  to  be  revealed,' 
I  am  persuaded  that  you  expect  all  as  the  fruit  of 
sovereign  mercy,  which  first  forms  us  to  the  mind 
of  Christ,  then  accepts  and  then  rewards.  Truly, 
if  sinners  be  rewarded,  it  must  be,  i  of  grace, 
and  not  of  debt.'  Yet  it  is  a  mercy  of  unspeak- 
able magnitude,  that  grace  should  establish  a, 
connexion  between  obedience  and  enjoyment  ; 
such  a  connexion,  as  at  once  ensures  joy  to  the 
believer,  and  glory  to  Christ. 

"Oh  that  our  thoughts,  our  affections,  our  de- 
sires, may  be  much  in  heaven  !  Here,  you  have 
been  taught,  is  '  no  continuing  city,'  no  certain 
place  of  abode  ;  and  though  you  have  been  taught 
it  awfully  in  flames,  yet  if  you  learn  it  effectually, 
the  terror  of  the  means  will  be  conquered  by  the 
excellency  and  glory  of  the  consequences.  Yes, 
my  friends,  c  in  heaven  we  have  a  better  and  en- 
during substance  :'  the  apartments  there  arc 
more  spacious  ;  the  society  more  sweet ;  the  en- 
joyments more  perfect  ;  and  ail  to  last  forever. 
Well  may  Christians  i  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glo- 
ry of  God  ! 

S.  P." 

0000000000 

To  MR.  fif  MRS.  BOWYER,  Pall  Mall. 

"  November  17,   1797. 

"  BLESSED  be  '  the   preserver  of  men/ 

for  all  his  goodness  to  dear  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B . 

With  theirs,  shall  my  gratitude  also  ascend, 
whilst  separated  from  their  society  ;  and  with 
theirs,  shall  it  more  warmly  and  permanently 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  ?1 

ascend  when  we  meet  to  form  a  part  of  the  ■  gen- 
eral assembly,  the  church  of  the  first-born.1 

"  I  do  not  return  to  London  this  autumn,  but 
I  mean  to  visit  Portsmouth.  I  must  be  indebted 
to  you  for  my  directions.  We  shall  be  very  hap- 
py to  see  you  at  Luke-street:  but  Wales  1  sup- 
pose will  be  the  vortex  that  will  swallow  up  much 
of  your  time.  Well,  so  you  are  happy,  we  must 
be  disinterested  enough  to  be  satisfied,  although 
we  be  denied  a  persona!  participation. 

"  Let  us  not  forget  that  we  are  Christians  ;  and 
Christians  profess  a  hope  of  a  better  country  than 
Cambria  contains.  Thereat  all  belong.  Al- 
ready citizens  by  privilege,  we  shall  be  by  pos- 
session soon. 

1  Roll  swifter  round  ye  wheels  of  Time, 

And  bring  the  welcome  day  V 

"  In  hope  of  greeting  you  both  in  that  good 
land,  I  remain,  most  affectionately  yours, 

S.  P." 

oooooooooeo 

To  DR.  RYLAND. 

11  November i   17,   1797. 

"  I  FEEL  much  for  you  in  relation  both 
to  the  duties  and  trials  of  your  present  sit- 
uation :  at  the  same  time  I  bless  God  who  fix- 
ed you  in  it,  because  I  am  peisuaded  that  it  will 
be  for  his  glory  in  the  churches  of  Christ.  And 
though  none  but  those  whose  hands  are  full  of  re- 
ligious concerns,  can  guess  at  your  difficulties; 
yet  our  blessed  Redeemer  knows  them  all.  Oh, 
my  brother,  you  are  travailing  for  Him,  who  re- 
deemed you  by  his  blood  ;  who  sympathizes 
with  you,  and  who  will  graciously  crown  you  at 
last.     Small  us  rny  trials  are,  1  would  turn  smith, 


92  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

and  work  at  the  anvil  and  the  forge,  rather  than 
bear  them  for  any  other  master  than  Christ.  Yet 
were  fhey  ten  thousand  times  as  many  as  they 
are,  the  thought  of  their  being  for  Him,  1  trust, 
would  sweeten  them  all. 

"  1  have  reason  to  be  very  thankful  for  much 
pleasure  of  late,  both  as  a  Christian,  and  a  minis- 
ter. I  have  never  felt  so  deeply  ray  need  of  a 
Divine  Redeemer,  and  seldom  possess  such  solid 
confidence  that  he  is  mine.  I  want  more  and 
more  to  become  a  little  child,  to  dwindle  into 
nothing  in  my  own  esteem,  to  renounce  my  own 
wisdom,  power  and  goodness,  and  simply  look 
to,  and  live  upon  Jesus  for  all.  I  am  ashamed 
that  I  have  so  much  piide,  so  much  self- will. 
Oh  my  Saviour  !  make  me  '  meek  and  lowly  in 
heart  ;'  in  this  alone  I  find  '  rest  to  my  soul/ 

"  I  could  say  much  of  what  Irumanuei  has  done 
for  my  soul  ;  but  I  fear  lest  even  this  should  sa- 
vour of  vanity.  When  shall  I  be  like  my  Lord  ! 
Oh  welcome  death  when  I  have  nothing  more  to 
do  for  Christ.  To  him,  till  then,  may  I  live  ev- 
ery day  and  every  hour.  Rather  may  I  be  an- 
nihilated than  not  live  to  him  ! 

u  You  will  rejoice  with  nie  to  hear  that  we 
have  a  pleasing  prospect  as  a  church.  Several 
very  hopeful  and  some  very  valuable  characters 
are  about  to  join  us.     Lord,,  carry  on  thy  woik  ! 

S.  P." 

CGOOOCOCOOO 

To  MRS.  PEARCE, 

On  the  dangerous  illness  of  one  of  the  children. 

"Portsmouth,  January  29-    1798. 

"IGNORAN  i    of  the  circumstances  of 

our  dear  child,   In  w  shall  I  address  myself  to  her 

dearer  mother  !     With  a  fluttering  heart,  and  a 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  $3 

ticiiibling  hand,  I,  in  this  uncertainty,  resume 
my  peo.  One  consideration  tranquilizer  my 
mind, — land  mine  aie  in  the  bands  of  God:  the 
wise,  the  good,  the  indulgent  parent  of  mankind  f 
Whatever  he  does  is  best.  I  am  prepared  for  all 
lus  will,  and  hope  that  I  shall  never  have  a  feel- 
ing, whose  language  is  not,  'Thy  will  be  done.1 

44  lam  most  kindiy  entertained  here  by  Mr. 
and  Mis,  Shoveller  :  and  except  my  dear  Sarah's 
presence,  feel  myself  at  home.  They  have  had 
greater  trials  than  we  can  at  present  know.  They 
have  attended  seven  children  to  the  gloomy  tomb  : 
they  have  been  supported  beneath  their  loss  by 
Him  who  hath  said,  *  As  thy  days,  so  shall  thy 
strength  be.'  Mrs.  S.  tells  me,  she  'blessed 
God  for  all,'  May  my  dear  Sarah  be  enabled 
to  do  the  same,  whatever  the  result  may  prove. 
To-morrow  I  expect  another  letter  from  you  ; 
yet,  lest  you  should  too  much  feel  my  absence, 
I  will  lay  forwarding  this  a  single  post    Oh 

that  it  may  prove  in  some  degree  a  messenger  o£ 
consolation  i 

44  Yesterday  I  preached  three  times  :  Gc  d  was. 
very  good.  1  received  your  letter  before  the 
first  service  :  von  may  be  assured  that  I  bore  you. 
on  my  heart  in  the  presence  of  my  Lord  and. 
yours  ;  noi  shall  I  pray  in  vain  :  He  will  either 
re  the  child,  or  support  you  under  the  loss 
of  it.  1  dare  not  pray  with  importunity  for  any 
earthly  good  ;  for  'who  krioweth  what  is  good 
for  man  in  this  life,  all  the  days  of  Ins  vain  life 
which  he  spendeth  as  a  shadow  ?'  But  strength, 
ar  the  loss  of  earthly  comforts,  he  has  pro- 
mised', for  that  I  Importune';  and  that%  I  duubt 
not,  wiii  be  granted. 

4i  In  a  house  directly  opposite  to  the  window 
before  which  I  now  write,  a  wife,  a  mother,  is 
ji.st  departed  !  Why  am  I  not  a  bereaved  hus- 
band ?  Why  not  my  children  motherless  ?  When 
12 


34  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

we  compare  our  condition  with  our  wishes,  we 
often  complain  :  but  if  we  compare  it  with  that 
of  main  around  us,  our  complaints  would  be  ex- 
changed for  gratitude  and  praise. 

S.  P.?; 

COOOOOGOOGO 

To  R.  BOWYER,  esq. 

M  February  14,    1798. 

€i  NOT  a  day  has  hurried  by,  since  1  part- 
ed with  my  dear  friends  in  Pail  M<ii>,  but  they 
have  been  in  my  affectionate  remembrance  ;  but 
not  being  able  to  speak  with  any  satisfaction  re- 
specting our  deai  child,  i  have  withheld  myself 
fiom  imparting  new  anxieties  to  bosoms  already 
ah\e  to  painful  sensibility. 

"  At  length,  however,  a  gracious  God  puts  it 
in  my  power  to  say,  that  there  is  hope.  After 
languishing  between  life  and  death  for  man)  days 
she  now  seems  to  amend.  We  flatter  ours 
tha.  she  has  past  the  crisis,  and  will  yet  be  re- 
stored to  our  arms  ;  but  paientai  fears  forbid  too 
strong  a  confidence  It  may  be  that  our  most 
merciful  God  saw  that  the  shock,  of  a  sudden  re- 
moval would  be  too  strong  for  the  tender  feelings 
of  a  mother  ;  and  so  by  degrees,  prepares  tor 
the  stroke  which  must  fait  at  last.  However, 
she  is  in  he  best  hands,  and  we  are,  1  hope, 
preparing  for  submission  ro  whatever  may  be  the 
blessed  will  of  Gud.  • 

"  I  was  brought  home  in  safety,  and  feel  my- 
self in  much  bettei  health  in  consequence  of  my 
journey.  Oh  that  it  may  be  ail  consecrated  to  my 
Redeemer's  praise  ! 

"  HLppv  should  I  be,  if  I  could  oftener  enjoy 
your  friend  •  so<  \ety  :  but  we  must  wait  for  the 
full  accomplishment  of  our  socL!  wishes,  till  we 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  95 

come  to  that  better  World,  for  which  divine  grace 
is  preparing  us  : — There  our  best,  oui  brightest- 
hopes,  anc  there  our  warmest  affections  must  be 
found.  Could  we  have  all  we  want  below,  wo 
should  be  reluctant  to  ascend,  when  Jesus  calls 
us  home.  No,  this  is  not  our  rest  ;  it  is  polluted 
with  sin,  and  dashed  with  sorrow  ;  but  though 
our  pains  in  themselves  are  evil,  vet  our  God 
till  s  the  curse  into  a  blessing,  and  makes  all 
that  we  meet  with  accomplish  our  good. 

11  What  better  can  I  wish,  my  friends,  than 
the  humble  place  of  Mary,  or  the  happy  rest  of 
John  !  Faith  can  enjoy  them  both,  till  actually 
we  fall  at  the  Saviour's,  feet  and  lean  upon 
his  bosom  when   we  see  him  as  he  is. 

«  Oh  the  delights,  the  heav'nly  joys, 

The  glories  of  the  place, 
Where  Jesus  sheds  the  brightest  beams 

Qt  his   o'ei  flowing  grace  !' 

S.  P 


96  MEMOIRS   OF    THE    LATE 

LINES 

WRITTEN  ON  THE   WORDS  OF  IGNATIUS,- 

"MY  LOVE  IS  CRUCIFYELV* 


Meufn  Desiderium  crycifixum  est, 

"  W  A  RM  was  hib  heart,  Ir's  faith  was  strong; 

Who  thus  in  rapture  cryM, 
When  on  his  way  to  martyrdom, 

My  Love  is  crucify*  d. 

Warm    aho  he  my  love  for  Him, 

Who  thus  for  sinners  dy'd  ; 
Lore  as  1  live  he  less  my  theme, 

My  Love  is  crucify' d. 

Corr?,  <>h  my  soul,  behold  him  pitre'd 

In  hand?,  and  feet,  and  Bide  ; 
And  say,  while  He's  in  blood  immers^, 

My  Love  is  crucify1 d. 

What  lover  ere  to  win  mv  heart, 

So  much  has  done  beside  ? 
To  him  I'll  cleave,   and  never  part; 

My  Love  is  cruci/y'd 

Ob  that  in  Jesus'   wounds  my  soul 

Secure,  may   ever  hide, 
And  sing,   as  changing  seasons  roll, 

My  Lcve  is  crucify" d* 

*  When  Ignatius  pastor  of  the  church  at  Antioch, 
was  condemned t)y  the  emperor,  Trajan,  to  suffer  deri'h 
at  Rome,  he  was  apprehensive  that  i lie  Christians 
there,  out  of  their  great  rfffc'ion  for  him,  might  en- 
deavour to  prevent  his  martyrdom  ;  ?.r:d  therefore  wrote 
a  letcer  from  Smyrna  to  the  Roman  Christians,  which 
he  sent  on  before  him,  wherein  he  earner  !y  beseeches 
them  to  take  no  meaturcs  for  the  continuance  of  his 
life  ;  and  amongst  other  things,  says,  "1  long  lot 
death. "  adding  as  a  reason  why  he  was  desirous  of  thus 
testifying  hi§  love,  to  Christ,  •*  My  Love  is  crucUiaV 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  97 

In  seasons  oft,  when  bow'd  with  fear, 
My  trembling  heart  has  sigh'd, 

Thi3  thought  again  brings  comfort  near; 
My  Love  is  crucify' d. 

To  what  a  test  his  love  was  put, 

When  by  his  Buff'ringfl  try'd, 
But   faithful  to  the  end  endui'd, 

My  Love  is  crucify* d* 

His  garments  white  as  wintry  snows, 

In  crimson  floods  were  dy'd  ; 
Hence  Bprirtg  the  bl<  s  ings  he  bestows  ; 

My  Love  is  crucify' cl. 

Down  from  his  wounded  body  flow'd, 

Fhe  all  atoning  tide* 
Which  ptace  restored  'twixt  me  and  God  : 

My  Love  is  crucify' d. 

Now  by  'he  cross   H  held  subdu'd, 

And  all  its  pow'rsdcfy'd  ; 
It  yields  to  Jesus'  conqai'ring  blood  5- 

My  Love  is  crucify*  d» 

Ne'er  may  my  deard   &pis  d  Lord 

B     me  be  once  deny'd  ; 
My  j   y,   mv  crown,   my  boast  be  this, 

My  Love  U  crucify1 d. 

Dead  be  my  heart  to  all  below, 

In  Christ  may  I  abide  ; 
Why  should  I  !.>ve  thr  creature  so  i 

My  Lave  is  crucify'd. 

Shameful  his  death,   oh  let  it  slay 

In  me  all  cursed  pri  le  ; 
Lowly  in  J  bus,   may  I  say, 

My  Love  is  crucify'd. 

When  first  my  soid,  by  living  faith, 

My  bleeding  Lord  espy'd, 
My  lips  declat'd  a*  ev'ry  breath, 

My   Love  is  crucify'd. 

And  since  my  happy  heart  has  known, 
tlh  tacred  blood  apply'd, 


?S  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

This  still  has  been  my  sweetest  songj 
My  Love  is  crucify*  d. 

And  whilst  upon  this  world  I  stay, 

Whatever  may  me  betide, 
To  all  around  I'll  ever  say, 

My  Love  is  crucify*  d* 

When  through  death's  gloomy  vale  I  walk, 

My  Lord  shall  be  my  guide  ; 
To  him  I'll  sing-,  of  him  I'll  talk. 

My  Love  is  crucify9 d. 

Could   f,  his  praise  e'tn    now  I'd  sound, 

As  vast  creation  wide  ; 
But  I  shall  sing  on  heaVnly  ground, 
My  Love  is  crucify*  d. 

Yes,  when  to  that  blest  land  I  mount, 

On  places  high  to  ride, 
Through  all  eternity  I'll  shout, 
My  Love  is  crucify'd  ! 

Si   P." 
Jan,  1 9,   1795. 

oocoooooooo 

(i  The  GARDENER  and  ROSE-TREE." 

44  A   FABLE." 

M  Affectionate^  addressed  to    Mrs,  J.   H- ,  on   the 

death  of  her  child,  by  her  tru'y  sympathizing  friend^ 

S.      Pr" 

March  12,   1798. 

11  IN  a  sweet  spot,  which  Wisdom  chose. 

Grew  an  unique  and  lovely  Rose  ; 

A  flow'r  so  fair  was  seldom  borne— 

A  Ro^e  almosi  without  a  thorn. 

Each  passing  stranger  stopp'd  ;o  view 

A  p;ani  possessing  «.  harms  to  new  : 

<;  Sweet  jlow'r  !>%  each  lip  was  heard  to  say — 

N      less  the  Owner  pieas'd  than  they  ; 

Rear'dby  his  hand  with  constrnt  care, 

And  planted  ia  his  choice  parterre, 


MR.  SAMUEL  PPARCE.  95 

.Of  all  In's  garden  tin's  the  pride, 
No  flow'r  60  much  admir'd  beside. 

Nor  did  the    Rose  unconscious  bl'cm*. 
£Jor  feel  ungrateful  for  the  boon  ; 
Oh  as  her  guardian  came  thar  way, 
Whether  at  dawn,   or  eve  of  day, 
Expanded  vide — her  form  uuvaii'd, 
She  double  jrogrance  then  exhal'd. 

As  months  roll'd  on,  the  spring  appear'd, 
Its  genial  rays  fhe  Rose  matur'd  ; 
Forth    from  its  root  a  shvot  extends — 
The  parent  Ro'-e-tree  downward  bends, 
And,  with  3 joy  unknown  before, 
Contemplates  the  yet  embryo  iow'r. 

1  Offspring  most  dtat  (she  fondly  said,) 

*  Part  or  myself!   btneath  my  shade, 

*  Safe  shall  thou  nae,   whilst  happy  I, 
•Transported  with  maternal  joy, 

*  Shall  see  thy  little  buds  appear, 

1  Unfold  and  bloom  in  beau  y  here. 

*  Wh  it  though  the  Liily,  or  Jonquil, 
4  0r  Hyacinth  no  longer  fill 

c  The  space  around  me — All  shall  be 

*  Abundantly  made  up  in  thee. 

*  What  though  my  present  charms  decay, 

*  And  passing  strangeis  no  more  say 

*  Of  we,  '  Sweet  flow'r  !' — Yet  thou  shale  raise 

*  Thy  blooming  head,  and  gain  the  praise, 

*  And  this  reverberated  pleasure 

*  Shall  be  to  me  a  world  of  treasure* 
c  Cheerful  I  part  with  foimcr  merit, 

'  That  it  my  darling  may  inherit. 

i  Haste  then  the  hours  which  bid  thee  bloom., 

*  And  fill  the  zephyrs  with  perfume  \* 

Thus  had  the  Rose  tree  scarcely  spoken, 
Ere  the  sweet  cup  of  bliss  was  broken — 
The  Gatd'ner  came,  and  with  one  stroke 
He  from  the  root  the  offspring  took  ; 
Took  from  the  sod  wherein    i  grew, 
And  hid  it  from  the  parent's  view. 


MQO  MEMOIRS  OF  I  HE  LA  J 

Judge  ye^  who  know  a  mother's  cares 
For  the  dear  tender  b<be  she  bears, 
The  parent's  anguish — ye  alone 
Such  Sc;d  vicissitudes  have  known. 

Deep  was  the  wound  ;  por  slight  the  pam 
Which  made  the  Rose-tree  thus  complain  : 

Dear  little  darling  !   art  thou  gone  — 
'I  by  charms  scarce  to  thy  mother  known  ! 
Rrmov'd  so  &oon  !  —  So  suddenly, 
Snatch'd  from  my  fond  maternal  eve-  ! 
What  hadst  thou  done  ? — dear  off-pring  !    sty^ 
So  tarty  to   be  snatch*  d  away  ! 
W  ■  ■».    !    g<  ne  for  eier  !  seen  no  more  ! 
Foi  ever  I  thy  lo-s  deplore* 
Ye  dews  descend,   with  tears  supply 
Mv  now  forever  tearful  eye  ; 
Or  rather  come  some  northetn  blast^ 
Dislodge  my  yielding  roots  in  haste 
Whirlwinds  arise — my  branches  tear, 
And  to  some  distant  region  bear 
Far  from  this  spot,  a  wretched  mother, 
e  fruit  and  joys  are  gone  together/ 

As  thus  the  anguished  Rose-tree  cry'd, 
Her  Owner  near  her  she  espy'd  ; 
Who  in  these  gentle  terms  icprov'd 
A  plant,   though  murm'ring,  atilibelov'd; 

4  Cease,  beauteous  fiow'r,  these  useless  cne3j 
4  And  let  my  lessons  make  thee  wise, 
c  Ait  thou  not  mine  ?  Did  not  my  hand 
6  Transplant  thee  from  the  barren  sand, 

*  Where  once  a  mean  unsightly  plant, 
1  Eypos'd  to  iij'iry  and  want, 

4  Unknown,  and  unadmir'd,   i  found, 
c  Ar  d  brought  thee  to  this  fertile  ground  ; 
c  With  studious  art  improv'd  thy  fori;  , 
'  SecurM  thee  from  the  inclement  storm, 

*  And  through  the  seasons  of  ihe  year, 

*  Made  thee  my  unabating  care  ? 

'  Hast  thou  not  blest  th;r  happy  lot, 

*  In  such  an  owner — sucli  a  spot  i 


WK.  SAMUEL   PEAfcCE.  TOJ 

But  now,  because  thy  shoot  I've  taken, 

*  Thy  best  of  friends  muat  be  foi^ken. 

$  Know,   flower  belov'd   e'en  l  hi*  affliction 
•Shall  prove  to  thee  a  benediction  : 

*  Had  I  not  the  young  plant  remov'd, 
4  (So  'ondly  by  th>   bear!  belov'd) 

*  O    me  ihy  heart    wou'd  scarce  have  thought^ 

*  W    h  gratitude  no  more-  be  fraught  : 
«  — Y».a  —  thy  own  btauty  be  a'  stake 

*  Surrendered    tor  thy  offspring's  s<?ke. 

*  Nor  think,   that  hidden  f-om  thine  eyes, 
€  The  »nfanr  plant    neglrcted  lies — 

«  No — I've  anotke* .garden  where 

*  In  richer  soil  and  purer  air 

*  It's  now  transplanted  there  to  shine 
4  In  beauties  fairer  far  than  'bine. 

*  Nor  shalt  thou  always  be  apart 
4  From  the  dear  darling  or  thy  heart  ; 
4  For  'tu  my  purpose  ibee  to  bear 
4  In  future  time,  and   plant  thee  there, 
4  Where  thy  now  absent  off-set  grows, 

*  Aad  blossoms  a  celestial  Rose. 

1  Be  patient,  then,  till  that   set  hour  shnl!  come 
4  When  thou  and  thine  shall  in  new  beauties  bloom  :' 
'No  more  its  absence  shall  thou  then  deplore, 
4  Together  grow  and  ne'er  be  parted  more.' 

These  wordsto  silence  hush'd  the  plaintive  Rose, 
With  deeper  blushes  redd'ning  now  she  glows, 
Submissive  bow'd  her  unrepining  head, 
Again  her  wonted,  grateful    fragrance  shed — 

I,  <  Thou  hast  taken  only  whatN   thine  own, 
4  Therefore  thy  will,  my  Lord,  not  mine,  be  done.' 


£02  memoirs  of  the  late, 

CHAP.  IV. 

AN  ACCOUNT  OF  HIS  LAST  AFFLICTION,  AN2* 

THE  HOLY  AND  HAPPY  LXI  RCISES 

OF  HIS  MIND  UNDER  IT. 

EARLY  in  October,  119$,  Mr.  Pearce  at- 
tended at  the  Kettering  ministers'  meeting,  and 
preached  from  Psaim  xc.  16,  17.  Ltt  thy 
Work  appear  unto  thj/  servants,  and  thy  glory  un- 
to their  children.  And  let  the  htauty  of  the  Lord 
mcr  God  beupon  us  :  and  establish  thou  the  work 
of  our  hand*  upon  us  ;  yea,  the  work  of  our 
hands  establish  thou  it.  He  v\as  observed  to  be  sin- 
gularly  solemn  and  affectionate  in  that  discourse. 
Jf  he  had  known  it  to  be  the  iast  time  that  he 
should  address  his  brethren  in  th^t  part  of  the 
country,  he  could  scarcely  ha\e  teit  oi  spoken  in 
a  more  interesting  manner,  it  was  a  discourse 
full  of  instruc  on,  full  of  a  holv  unction,  and 
that  seemed  to  breathe  an  apostolical  ardour. 
On  his  return,  he  preached  at  Market  Hai bo- 
rough ;  and  riding  home  the  next  day  in  com- 
pany with  his  friend,  Mr.  Summers,  of  London, 
they  wrere  overtaken  with  rain.  Mr.  Pearce  was 
wet  through  his  clothes,  and  towards  evening 
complained  of  a  chillness.  A  slight  hoarseness  fol- 
lowed. He  preached  several  times  after  this, 
ivhich  brought  on  an  inflammation,  and  issued  in 
a  consumption.  It  is  probable  that  if  his  consti- 
tution had  not  been  previously  impaired,  such 
cffei  ts  migh:  not  have  followed  in  this  instance* 
His  own  ideas  on  this  subject,  are  expresses  m  a 
tetter  to  Di.  Rylan'd,  dated  Decembei  4,  ily89 
and  in  another  to  M:. .  King,  dated  hom  Bristol, 
on  his  way  to  Plymouth,  March  30,  \199.  Iri 
the  former,  he  says, — M  &Yer  since  my  Christmas 


MR.  SAMUEL  ?EARCE.  10S 

faurney  last  year  to  Sheepshead,  Nottingham, 
Leicester,  on  the  mission  business,  I  have  found 
my  constitution  much  debilitated,  inconsequence 
of  a  cold  caught  after  the  unusual  exertions 
which  circumstances  then  demanded  ;  so  that 
from  a  frame  that  could  endure  any  weather,  I 
have  since  been  too  tender  to  encounter  a  single 
shower,  without  danger  ;  and  the  duties  of 
the  Lord's  day,  which,  as  far  as  bodily  strength 
went,  I  could  perform  with  little  fatigue,  have 
since  frequently  overcome  me.  But  the  severe 
cold  I  caught  in  return  from  the  last  Kettering 
minister's  meeting,  has  affected  me  so  much, 
that  1  have  sometimes  concluded  I  must  give  up 
preaching  entirely  ;  for  though  my  head  and 
spirits  are  better  than  for  two  years  past,  yet  my 
stomach  is  so  very  weak,  that  1  cannot  pray  in 
my  family  without  frequent  pauses  for  breath, 
and  in  the  pulpit  it  is  labour  and  agony,  which 
must  be  felt  to  be  conceived  of.  I  have,  however^ 
made  shift  to  preach  sometimes  thrice,  but  most- 
ly only  twice  on  a  Lord's  day,  till  the  last,  when 
the  morning  sermon  only,  though  I  delivered  it 
with  gieat  pleasure  of  mind,  and  with  as  much 
caution  as  to  my  voice  as  possible,  yet  cost  me 
so  much  labour  as  threw  me  into  a  fevemill  the 
next  day,  and  prevented  my  sleeping  all  night.' 

If)  the  letter,  he  thus  writes "  Should 

my  life  be  spared,  I,  and  my  familv,  and  all  my 
connexions  will  stand  indebted,  under  God  to 
you.  Unsuspecting  of  danger  myself,  I  believe 
I  should  have  gone  on  with  my  exertions,  til! 
the    grave   had    received    me.      Your  attention 

sent  Mr.  B (the  apothecary)  to  me,  and  then 

first  I  learned  what  I  have  since  been  increasingly 
convinced  of — that  I  was  rapidly  destroying  the 
vital  principle.  And  the  kind  interest  you  have 
taken  in  my  welfare  ever  since,  has  often  drawn 
grateful  tear  from  my  eye.     May  the  God  oS 


104  MEMOIP.S  OF  THE  LATE' 

heaven  and  earth  reward  your  kindness  to  his  us- 
faithful  servant,  and  save  you  from  all  the  evils 
from  which  your  distinguished  friendship  would 
have  saved  me  !" 

Such  were  his  ideas.  His  labours  were  cer- 
tain! v  abundant  ;  perhaps  too  great  for  his  con- 
stitution ;  but  it  is  probable  that  nothing  was 
moie  injurious  to  his  health,  than  a  frequent  ex- 
posure to  night  air,  and  an  inattention  to  the  ne- 
cessity of  changing  damp  clothes 

Hitherto  we  have  seen  in  Mr.  Pearce,  ths 
active,  assiduous,  and  laborious  servant  of  Jesus 
Christ  :  but  now  we  see  hirn  iaid  aside  from  his 
work,  wasting  away  by  slow  degrees,  patiently 
enduring  the  will  of  God,  and  cheerfully  waiting 
for  his  dissolution.  And  as  here  is  hut  little  to 
narrate,  I  shall  content  myself  with  copying  his 
letters,  or  extracts  from  them,  to  his  friends, 
in  the  order  of  time  in  which  they  were  written, 
only  now  and  then  dropping  a  few  hints  to  fur- 
nish the  reader  with  the  occasions  of  some  cix 
them. 

00000006000 

To  DR.  RYLAND. 

Birmingham,  October  85   1798* 

'<  OH  !  my  dear  brother,  your  letter  of 
the  5th,  which  I  received  this  morning,  has 
made  me  thankful  for  all  ray  pulpit  agonies,  a$. 
they  enable  me  to  weep  with  a  weeping  brothel. 
They  have  been  of  use  to  me  in  other  respects  ; 
particularly,  in  teaching  me  the  importance  of 
attaining  and  maintaining  that  spirituality  and  pi- 
ous ardour,  in  which  I  have  found  the  most  ef- 
fectual relief  ;  so  that  on  the  whole  I  must  try  to 
?  glory  in  tribulations  also.'  I  trust  I  often  can 
When. the  conflict  is  past,  but  to  glory  i  in  ■  theu,. 


MR.    SAMUEL    PEARCE.  XOo 

especially  in  mental  distress — hie  labor,  hoc  op- 
ust  est. 

"  But  how  often  has  it  been  found,  that  when 
ministers  have  felt  themselves  most  embarrassed* 
the  most  effectual  good  has  been  done  to  the  peo- 
ple Oh  for  hearts  entirely  resigned  to  the  will 
of  God  ! 

"  How  happy  should  I  be,  could  I  always  en- 
joy the  sympathies  of  a  brother,  who  is  tried  in 
these  points,  as  I  of  late  have  been.         S.  P. 

ooooooooooo 

To  MR.  FULLER. 

"  Birmingham,  October  29,    1 798. 

"  I  CAUGH  T  a  violent  cold  in  returning 
from  our  last  Committee- meeting,  from  which  I 
have  not  yet  recovered.  A  little  thing  now  af- 
fects aiv  constitution,  which  I  once  judged  would 
be  weather  and  labour  proof  for  at  least  thirty 
years,  if  I  lived  so  long.  I  thank  God  that  I  am 
not  debilitated  by  iniquity.  I  have  lately  met 
with  an  occurrence,  which  occasioned  me  much 
pain  and  perph  xity.  *  *  *  *  *  *  Trials  soften 
our  hearts,  and  make  us  more  fully  prize  the 
dear  few,  into  whose  faithful  sympathizing  bo- 
soms we  can  with  confidence  pour  our  sorrows. 
I  think  I  should  bless  God  for  my  afflictions,  if 
they  produced  no  other  fruits  than  these, — the 
tenderness  they  inspire,  zno  the  friendships  they 
enjoy.  Pray,  my  dear  brother,  for  yours  af- 
fectionately, S.  P." 

000000000 

To  a  young  man  who  had  applied  to  him  for 
advice,  how  he  should  best  improve  his  time., 
previous  to  his  going  to  the  Bristol  Academy  :-*- 
*  a 


10<?  MEMOIRS -OF  THE    LATE 

Birmingham^  November  13,   179^; 

*  My  dear  M , 

"  I  C  AN  only  confess  my  regret  at  not  re- 
pA'ingto  yours  at  a  much  earlier  period,  and  as- 
sure you  that  the  delay  has  been  accidental,  and 
not  designed.  I  feel  the  importance  of  your  re- 
quest for  aoviee.  I  was  sensible  it  deserved  some 
Consideration  before  it  w.-iS  answered.  I  was 
full  of  business  at  the  moment.  I  put  it  by,  and 
it  was  forgotten  ;  and  now  it  is  too  late.  The 
time  of  your  going  to  Bristol  draws  nigh.  If  in- 
stead of  an  opinion  respecting  the  best  way  of 
occupying  your  time  before  you  go,  you  will  ac- 
cept a  iiitle  counsel  during  your  continuance 
there,  I  shall  be  happy  at  any  time  to  contribute 
such  a  mite  as  my  experience  and  observation 
liave  put  in  my  power. 

u  At  present,  the  following  rules  appear  of  so 
much  moment,  that  were  I  to  resume  a  place  ia 
any  literary  establishment,  I  would  religiously 
adopt  them  as  the  standard  of  my  conduct  : — 
STirst,  I  would  cultivate  a  spirit  of  habitual  devo- 
tion. Warm  piety  connected  with  my  studies, 
and  especially  at  my  entrance  upon  them,  would 
not  only  assist  a*e  in  forming  a  judgment  *  on 
their  respective  importance,  and  secure  the  bless- 
'ing  of  G  ;d  upon  them;  but  would  so  cement 
the  religious  feeling  with  the  literary  pursuit,  as 
\  itii  me  for  life,  The  habit  of  uni- 
ting these,  being  once  formed,  would,  1  hope, 
be  never  lost  ;  and  I  am  sure  that,  without  this, 
i  shall  both  pursue  trivial  and  unworth)  objects, 
and  those  that  are  worthy  I  shall  pursue  for  a 
wrong  cn6. — Secondly,  1  would  determine  on  a 
uniform  submission  to  the  instructions  of  my  pre- 
ceptor, and  study  those  things  which  would  give 
him  pleasure.  If  h e  be  not  wiser  than  I  am,  tot 
what  purpose  do  I  come  under  his  care  ?  I  ac- 
cepted the  pecuniary  help  of  Ihv  Society  on  cor*-* 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCP*  I  Of 

dition  of  conforming  to  its  will  ;  and  it  is  the  so- 
ciety's will  that  my   tutor   should   govern    me.— 
Mv  example  will  have  influence  :   let  me  not,  by 
a  single  act   of  disobedience,  or  by  a  word    that 
implicates  dissatisfaction,  sow  the  seeds  of  dis- 
cord in  the  bosom  of  my  companions. —  Third  y, 
I  would    pray   and   strive   for  the  power  of  ielfr 
government,  to  form  no  plan,  to  utter  not  a  word, 
to  take  no  step  under  the  mere  influence  of  pas- 
sion.     Let  my  judgment    be   often    asked,  and 
let  me  always  give  it  time  to  answer.     Let  me 
aiways  guard    against    a  light   or    trifling   spirit  * 
and  particularly  as  I  shall  be  am   ngst  a    number 
or  youths,   whose  years  will  incline  them    to  the 
same  frailty.     Fourthly,   I  would  in  ah  my  week- 
ly and  daily   pursuits  observe  the  strictest  order. 
Always  let  me  act   by  a    plan.      Let   every    hour 
have  its. proper  pursuit;  from  which  let  nothing, 
but  a  settled  conviction  that   1  can  employ    it  to 
belter  advantage,  ever  cause  me  to  deviate.      Let 
me  have  iixed  time  for  prayer,  meditation,  read- 
ing,     languages,,    correspondence,     recreation, 
sieep,  &c, — Fifthly,  I  would  not  only  assign   to 
every  hour  its  proper  pursuit  ;  but  what  1  dm,  I 
WOuid  try  to  do  it  with  all  my  might.      The  hums 
at  such  a  place  are    precious  beyond  conception* 
udent  enters  on  life's  busy  scenes.     Let 
me  set  the  best  of  my  class  evei  before  mc  and 
Strive  to    be  better  than    the  v.      In  hurnilit)    and 
voce,  let  me  aim  co  be  the  fifst.— Sixthly,  I 
Would  particularly  avoid  a  versatile  hahiL     li 
things  I    would  persevere.      Without  this  1  may 
be   a  g*udy    butterftv,  but  never,   like   the    bee, 
will  my  uive  bear  examining.     Whatevei  i  take 
In  hand,  let  me  first  be  sure  I  understand  it,  then 
t,  and  if  u  be  &pod,  let  me  ad 

"lot  her,   let    me    ad'l 

*        ;        bUt      WiUCU      I 


t®£  MEMOIRS    OF  THE    LATE 

am  persuaded  will  help  you  much. —  Guard  a- 
gmrist  a  large  acquaintance  while  you  are  a  stu- 
dent. Biistoi  friendship,  while  you  sustain  that 
character,  will  piove  a  vile  thief,  and  rob  von 
of  many  an  invaluable  hour. — Get  two  or  three 
of  the  students,  whose  piety  you  most  approve, 
to  meet  for  one  hour  in  a  week  for  experimental 
conversation  and  mutual  prayer.  1  found  this 
highly  beneficial,  though,  strange  to  tell,  by 
some  we  were  persecuted  for  our  practice  ! — 
Keep  a  diary.  Once  a  week,  at  farthest,  call 
yourself  to  an  account  :  What  advances  you 
have  made  in  your  different  studies  ;  in  divinity, 
history,  languages,  natmal  philosophy,  style,. 
arrangement  ;  and  amidst  all,  do  not  forget 
to  enquire,  Ami  more  fit  to  serve  and  to  enjoy 
God  than  I  was  last  week  ? 

S.  P.* 

00000000000 

On  December  2,  1798,  he  delivered  his  last 
sermon,  The  subject  was  taken  from  Dan.  x.  19. 
Oh  man,  greatly  beloved*  fear  not,  peace  be  un- 
to thee,  be  strong,  yea,  be  strong,  And  when  he 
had  spoken  unto  me,  I  was  strengthened,  and 
said,  Let  my  Lord  speak  if  or  thou  hast  strength- 
ened me. ;'  Amongst  all  the  Oid  Testament 

saints,''  said  he,  in  his  introduction  to  that  dis- 
course, "  there  is  not  one  whose  virtues  were 
more,  and  whose  imperfections  were  fewer, 
than  those  of  Daniel.  By  the  history  given  of 
him  ifi  this  book,  which  yet  seems  not  to  be 
complete,  he  appears  to  have  excelled  among 
the  excellent."  Doubtless  no  one  was  farther 
from  his  thoughts  than  himself  :  Several  of  his 
friends  however,  could  not  help  applying  it  to 
him,  and  that  with  a  painful  apprehcusk 
Vhat  followed  soon  after. 


?:em©irs  of  the  late  loa 

To  MR.  CAVE,  Leicester. 

Birmingham)  December  4,   1798' 
BLESSED  be  God,  my  mind 


is  calm  ;  and  though  my  body  be  weakness  itself, 
my  spirits  are  good,  and  I  can  write  as  well  as 
ever,  though  I  can  hardly  speak  two  sentences 
without  a  pause.  All  is  weli,  brother  !  ail  is 
well,  for  time  and  eternity.  My  soul  rejoices  in 
the  everlasting  covenant,  ordered  in  ail  things 
and  sure.  Peace  from  our  dear  Lord  Jesus  be 
with  your  spirit,  as  it  is  (yea  more  also)  with 
your  affectionate  brother, 

S.  P.;3 

00000000000 

December  9,  1798,  he  was  detained  from 
public  worship,  and  wrote  to  Dr.  Ryland  the 
first  of  the  letters  which  appear  at  the  close  of 
his  funeial  sermon. —  The  following  lines  seem 
to  have  been  composed  on  the  same  occasion  : — 

i(  On  Ising  prevented   by    sickness    from  attending  en 
public  worship, 

€*  THE   fabric  of  nature  is  fair, 
But  rairtr  the  ttmple  ofgrace  ; 
To  saints  'tis  the  joy  of  tne  earth— 
Oh  glorious  beautiful  place  ! 

To  this  temple  I  once  did  resort. 
With  crouds  of  the  people  of  God  : 
Enrapuir'd,    we  enrer'd  its  courts, 
And  hail'd  the  Redeemer's  abed  j. 

The  Father  of  nature  we  prais'd, 
And  prostrated  low  at  hi*  throne  ; 
The  Saviour  ive  lov'd  and  ador'd, 
Who  hv'dus  and  made  us  his  own, 


fllO  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

Full  oft  to  the  message    f  peace, 
To  sinners  addrcss'd  from  the  ?ky9 
We  listened,  extolling  that  grace, 
Which  set  us,  once  rebels,  on  high* 

Faith  clave  *o  the  crucify*d  Lamb, 
Hope,  smiling,  exalted  its  head  ; 

Love  warm'd  at  the  Saviour's  dear  name^- 
And  vow'd  to  observe  what  he  said. 

What  pleasure  apnear'd  in  thelook9 
Of  brethren  and  aiatera  around  : 
With  transport  all  acem'd  to  reflect 
On  the  blessings  in  Jceu«  they'd  found* 

Sweet  momenta  i    If  aught  upon  earth 
Resemble  the  joys   of  the  skies, 
*Tis  thus  whea  the  hearts  of  the  flock 
Conjoined  to  the  Shepherd  arise. 

But  ah  !   these  sweet  moments  are  fledj- 
Pale  sickness  compels  me  to  stay 
Where  no  voice  of  the  turtle  is  heard* 
As  the  moments  are  hasting  away. 

My  God  !   thou  art  holy  and  good  ; 
Thy  plans  are  all  righteous  and  wise  3 
Oh  help  me  submissive  to  wait, 
Till  thou  biddest  thy  servant  arise. 

If  to  follow  thee  here  in  thy  courts, 
May  h  be  with  all  ardour  and  zeal, 
With  success  and  increasing  delight 
Performing  the  whole  of  thy  will. 

Or  shouldst  thou  in  bondage  detain, 
To  visit  thy  temples  no  more, 
Prepare  me  for  mansions  above, 
Where  nothing  exists  to  deplore  f 

Where  Jesus  the  Sun  of  the  place, 
Refulgent  incessantly  shfnes, 
Eternally  blessing  his  saints, 
And  pouring  delight  on  their  mih&g 


MR.    SAM0EL  PEARGE,  HI 

There — there  are  no  prisons  to  hold 
The  captive  from  tasting  delight  ; 
There— there  the  day  never  is  clos'd 
Vv'ith  shadows,   or  darkness,  or  night* 

These  mynad    and  myriads  shsll  meet,, 
In  our  Saviour's  high  piai^es  to  join  5 
Whilst  transported  we  fall  a-  hi6  feet, 
And  extol  bis  redemption  divide, 

Enough  then  J    my  heart  shall  no  more 
Or  its  present  bereavements  complain  1 
Siwce,  ere  long,    I  to  gloty  shai  boar. 
And  ceaseless  enjoyments  attain  ! 

OOOVOGOOOOO 

To  MR.  NICHOLS,  Nottingham. 

"  Birmingham,  Dec.  10,  1798* 

"  I  AM  now  quite  ia;d  by  nun.  oie-i  iiing,, 
jind  am  so  reduced  in  my  internal  strength,  that 
I  can  hardly  converse  with  a  friend  for  five  min- 
utes without  losing  my  breath.  Indeed  1  have 
been  so  ill,  that  I  thought  the  next  ascent  would 
be,  not  to  a  pulpit  but  to  a  throne- — to  the  throne 
of  glory.  Yes  indeed,  my  friend,  the  religion 
of  Jesus  will  support  when  flesh  and  heart  frail  ; 
and  in  my  worst  state  of  body,  my  soul  was  filled 
with  joy.  lam  now  getting  a  little  better,  though 
but  very  slowly.  But  fast  or  slow,  or  as  it  may, 
tfie  Lord  doth  all  things  well. 


S.  PJ* 


00000000000 


To  R.  BOWYER,  Esq. 

-I  HaVE    overdone    myself  in 


Bleaching,     i  mi  now  ordered  to  iie  by,  and  not 
eyen  to  converse  wiihuut  gteatcaie ;  nor  indeed^ 


lit  MEMOIRS   OF  THE    LATE 

till  to-day,  have  I  for  some  time  been  able  to  ut- 
ter a  sequence,  without  a  painful  effort.  Blessed 
be  G  od  !  I  have  been  filled  all  through  my  af- 
jflictioh  urith  peace  and  joy  in  believing  ;  and  at 
one  time,  when  I  thought  i  was  entering  the 
valley  of  death,  the  prospect  beyond  was  so  lull 
of  gory,  -that  but  for  the  sorrow  it  would  have 
occasioned  to  some  who  would  be  left  behind,  I 
shoud  have  longed  that  moment  to  have  mounted 
to  the  skies.  Oh,  my  friend,  what  a  mercy  that 
1  am  not  receiving  the  wages  or' sin  ;  that  my 
health  Ws  not  been  impaired  by  vice  ;  but  that 
oa  the  contrary,  I  am  bearing  in  my  body  the 
marks  of  the  Lord  Je-us.  i  o  him  be  all  the 
pi  disc  1  truly  I  have  proved  that  G<>6  is  faithful; 
and  most  .cheerfully  take  double  the  affliction  for 
one  half  of  the  joy  and  sweetness  which  iave  at- 
tended it.  Except  a  sermon  which  is  this  day 
published.-  S.  P." 

COGOOOOOOOO 

To  MR.  BATES  &  MRS.  BARNES,  Minories. 

Ci  Birmingham^   Dec,   14.    1798, 

*- -I COULD  teil   you  much  of  the 

Cord's  goodness  during  my  affliction.    '  Truly  his 

right  hand  hath  been  under  my  head,  arid  his 
left  embraced  me/  And  when  I  was  at  the 
worst,  especially,  and  expected  ere  long  to  have 
done  frith  time,  even  then,  such  holy  joy,  such 
ineffable  sweetness  filled  my  soul,  that  I  would 
not  have  exchanged  that  situation  for  any  besides 
heaven  itself. 
>■ '       — —  ■  - 

*  The  last  but  one  he  ever  pn  ached,  entitled* 
Motives  to  Gratitude.  It  was  delivered  on  the 
day   of  national    thanksgiving,  and  printed  at   there-1 

Galeae  of  his  own  congregation. 


MR.  SAMUfct  FEARCE,  113 

c-  Oh,  my  dear  friends,  let  us    live  to  Christ, 
and  lav    ourselves  wholly  out  for  him  whilst   we 
^nd  then,   when  health  and  life  forsake  us, 
he  wnl  be  the  strength  of  our  heart,  and  <»ur  por- 
tion forever.  S.  P.'* 

coooooooooo 

About  this  time  the  congregation  at  Cannon- 
Street  was  supplied  for  several  months  b\  Mr. 
Ward,  who  is  since  g  »ne  as  a  missionary  to  In- 
dia: -lere  that  amiable  young  man  became  inti- 
mately acquainted  with  Mr.  Pe«n  e,  and  con- 
ceived a  most  affectionate  esteem  For  Rim.  In  a 
letter  to  a  friend,  dated,  Jan.  5,  1799,  he  writes 
a&  follows : — 

u  I  AM   happy  in  the   companv  of  dear 
brother  Pearce.   I  have  seen  more  ot  God  in  lum, 
than  in  any  other  person  I  ever  knew.     Oh   how 
happy  should   I  be    to  live  and    die    with   him  ! 
When  well,  he  preached  three  times  on  a  Loid's 
day,  and  two  or  three  times  in  the  week  besides. 
He  instructs  the  young  people  in  the  print  ipies  ot" 
ion,    natural    philosophy,    astronomy,    &c. 
They  have  a  benevolent  Society,  from  the  funds 
of  which  they   distribute    forty  or  fifty   pounds  a 
year  to  the   poor  of  the  congregation.      Fliey 
-a  Sick  Society    for   visiting  the   afllic'ed   irt 
oral  :  a  Buok  Socictv  at  chapel  :  a  Loid's  day 
oo I,  at  which  betwixt  two  and  three  honored 
Iren  are  instructed.     Add  to  this,  missionary 
business,  visiting  the  peopte,  an    extensive   cor- 
respondence, two    volumes  of  mission    history 
preparing   foi  the  piess,   <Sec  ;   and   then  you  will 
something  of  the  soul  of  Pence.     FK    is  ev- 
where  venerated,  though  but  a    v-mug  man  ; 
.  all  the  kind,  tender,  gentle  »ffcctlons,  make 
as  a  little  child  at  the  feet  of  his  S  .viour. 
l  W,  W    ' 


Ii4  MEMOIRS   OP   THE    LATE 

In  February,  he  rode  to  the  opening  of  a  Bap- 
tist meeting-house  at  Bed  worth  ;  but  did  not  en- 
gage in  anv  of  the  servic  es.  Here  several  of  his 
brethren  saw  him  for  ihe  last  time.  Soon  after- 
wards, writing  to  the  compiler  of  these  memoirs. 
he  says, — "  The  LoroVday  after  I  came  home, 
I  tried  to  speak  a  little  after  sern  on.  It  inflamed 
my  lungs  afresh,  produced  phiegm,  coug  ing, 
and  spitting  of  blood.  Perhaps  1  may  never 
preach  more.  Well,  the  Lord's  will  be  done. 
I  thank  him  that  ever  he  took  me  into  his  service  ; 
ana  now,  if  he  see  fit  to  give  me  a  discharge,  I 
submit. " 

Duiing  the  above  meeting,  a  word  was  drop- 
ped bv  one  of  his  brethren  which  he  took  as  a  re- 
flection, though  nothing  was  farther  from  the  in- 
tention of  t-he  speaker.  It  wrought  upon  his 
mind,  and  in  a  few  days  after  he  wrote  as  fol- 
lows : "  Do    you  remember   what  passed  at 

B ?  Had   I  not   been  ace ,  stomed  to  receive 

plain,  friendly  remarks  from  you,  1  should  have 
thought  that  you  meant  to  insinuate  a  repi oof. 
If  you  did,  tell  me  plainly.  If  you  did  not,  it  is 
all  at  an  end.  You  will  not  taTce  my  naming  it 
unkind,  although  I  should  be  mistaken,  since 
affectionate  explanations  are  necessary  when 
suspicions  arise,  to  the  preservation  of  friendship; 
and  I  need  not  say  that  I  hold  the  pteservation 
of  your  friendship  in  no  small  account.'' 

The  above  is  copied,  not  onlv  to  set  forth  the 
spirit  and  conduct  of  Mr  Pean  e  in  a  case 
wherein  he  feit  himself  agneved,  but  to  shew  in 
how  easv  and  an  iabie  a  manner  thousands  of 
mistakes  might  be  rectified,  and  differences  pre- 
vented, by  a  frank  and  timely  explanation. 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  115 

To  MR.  COMF1  KLD,  Northampton. 

"  Birmingham,  March  4,  1799* 
"  I  COULD  wish  nay  sympathies  to  be  as- 
Extensive  as  human — I  was  going  to  say — (and 
whv  not  r)  as  animal  misery.  The  very  limited 
comprehension  of  the  human  intelligence  forbids 
tins  indeed,  and  whilst  I  am  attempting  to  par- 
ticipate as  far  as  the  news  of  affliction  reaches  me, 
I  find  the  same  events  do  not  often  produce  equal 
feelings.  We  measure  our  sympathies,  not  by 
the  causes  of  sorrow,  but  by  the  sensibilities  of 
the  sorrowful  ;  hen<  e  I  abound  in  feeling  on  your 
account.  The  situation  of  your  family  must 
have  given  distress  to  a  president  of  any  charac- 
ter ;  but  in  you  it  must  have  produced  agonies. 
I  know  the  tenderness  of  your  heart  :  your  feel- 
ings are  delicately  strong.  You  must  feel  much, 
or  nothing  ;  and  he  tha.  knows  you,  and  does 
not  feel  much  when  you  feel,  must  be  a  brute. 

"  May  the  fountain  of  mercy  supply  vou  with 
the  cheering  stream  !  May  your  sorrow  be  turn- 
ed into  joy  ! 

"  I  am  sure  that  I  ought  to  value  more  than  ever 
your  friendship  forme.  You  have  remembered  me, 
not  merely  in  my  affliction,  but  in  yourown.  Ooc 
friendship,  our  benevolence  must  never  be  com- 
pared with  that  of  Jesus;  but  it  is  truly  delightful 
to  see  the  disciple  treading,  though  at  a  humble 
distance,  in  the  footsteps  of  a  Master,  who,  a* 
midst  the  tortures  of  crucifixion,  exercised  for- 
giveness to  his  murderers,  and  the  tenderness  of 
filial  piety  to  a  disconsolate  mother  !  When  we 
realize  the  scene,  How  much  do  our  imaginations 
embrace — the  persons — the  circumstanLes — the 
words — *  Woman,  behold  thy  Son  ;  John  be- 
hold thy  mother  V  S.   P." 

Bv  the  above  letter,  the  reader  will  perceive, 
that  while  deeply  afflicted  himself,  he  felt  in  the 
ienderest  manner  for  the  afflictions  of  others. 


IlG  SIEMOIRS  <TF  THE  tATI' 

To  MR.  FULLER. 

March  23,  I799. 
HE  was  now  setting  out  fur  Plymouth  f 
and  after  observing  the  great  danger  he  was  Sup- 
post  d  to  be  in,  with  respect  to  a  consumption,  he' 
adds, — t4  But  thanks  be  to  God,  who  giveth  my 
heait  ihe  victory,  let  my  poor  body  be  consu- 
med, or  preserved.  In  the  thought  of  leavings 
I  feel  a  momentary  gloom  ;  but  in  the  thought 
©i  going,   a  heavenly  triumph. 

*  Ch  to  grace  how  great  a  debtor  ! 

"  Praise  God  with  me,  and  for  me,  my  dear 
brother,  and  let  us  not  mind  dying  any  more 
*han  sleeping.  No,  no  ;  iet  every  Christian  sing 
the  loudest,  as  he  gets  the  nearest  to  the  pre- 
sence of  his  God.  Eternally  yours  in  Him,  who 
Jiath  washed  us  both  in  his  blood.  S,  P." 

90000000000 

To  MR.  MEDLEY,  Londos. 

UNDER  the  same  date  he  says, — "  My 
affliction  has  been  rendered  sweet,  by  the  sup- 
ports and  smiles  of  Him  whom  I  have  served  in 
the  gospel  of  his  Son,.  He  hath  delivered,  he 
doth  deliver,  and  I  trust  that  he  will  yet  deliver. 
Living  or  dying,  all  is  well  forever.-  Oh  what 
shall  1  render  to  the  Lord  !" 

C00G000000O 

It  seems,  that  in  order  to  avoid  wounding  Mrs.. 
P's    feelings,  he   deferred  the   settlement  of  his, 

affairs  till  he  arrived  at  Bristol  ;  from  whence  he 
wrote  to  his  friend,  Mr.  King,  requesting  him  to 
become  an  executor.  Receiving  a  favourable  au.- 
ewer,  he  repned  35  follows  ;-^ 


MR.  SAMUEL  PE  ARCS'.  117 

"Bristol,  April  6,  1799* 

"YOUR  letter  just  received,  affected  me 
(00  much,  with  feelings  both  of  sympathy  and 
gratitude,  to  remain  unanswered  a  single  post. 
Most  heartily  do  I  thank  you  for  accepting  a  ser- 
vice, which  friendship  alone  can  render  agiee- 
abie  in  the  most  simpie  cases.  Should  th-it  ser- 
vice demand  your  activities  at  an  early  period, 
may  no  unforeseen  occurrence  increase  the  ne- 
cessary care  !  Bat  may  the  Father  of  the  father- 
less, and  Judge  of  the  widows,  send  you  a  re- 
compense into  your  own  bosom,  equal  to  all  that 
friendship,  to  which,  under  G^d,  1  have  been 
so  much  indebted  in  life,  and  reposing  on  whose 
bosom,  even  death  itself  loses  part  of  its  gloom. 
In  you,  my  children  will  find  another  father — • 
in  you,  mv  wife  another  husband.  Your  ten- 
derness wiil  sympathize  with  the  one,  under  the 
most  distressing  sensibilities;  and  your  prudent 
counsels  be  a  guide  to  the  others,  through  the 
Unknown    mazes    of   inexperienced    youth.     E- 

nough bltssed  God  !   My  soul  prostrates,  and 

adores  ihee  for  such  a  friend. 

S.  P." 

06000000000 

To  MR.  FULLER. 

"Plymouth,    April  18,    1 799. 

"THE  last  time  that  I  wrote  to  you  was 
at  the  close  of  a  letter  sent  to  you  by  brother 
Ryland.  I  did  not  like  that  postscript  form  ;  it 
looked  so  cardlike  as  to  make  me  fear  that  you 
would  deem  it  unbrotherly.  After  all,  perh  ps 
you  thought  nothing  about  it  ;  and  my  anxieties 
might  arise  only  from  my  weakness,  which  seems 
to  be  constantly  increasing  m>  sensibilities.  If 
ever  Iieltioye  in  iis  tenderness  for  ruy  friends,  it 
*  2 


I  IS  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE* 

has  been  since  my  affliction.  This,  in  great 
measure,  is  no  more  than  the  love  of  'publicans 
ana*  harlots,  who  luve  those  that  love  them/  I 
never  conceived  myself  by  a  hundred  degrees  so 
interested  in  the  regards  of  my  friends,  as  this 
season  of  affliction  has  manifested  I  was;  and 
therefore,  so  far  from  claiming  any  '  reward'  for 
loving  them  in  return,  I  shouid  account  myself 
a  monster  of  ingratitude,  were  it  otherwise- 
Yet  there  is  something  in  affliction  itself,  which, 
by  inn  easing  the  delicacy  of  our  feeiings,  and 
detaching  our  thoughts  from  the  usual  round  of 
objects  which  present  themselves  to  the  mind 
*vhen  in  a  state  of  health,  may  be  easily  conceiv- 
ed to  make  us  susceptible  of  stronger,  and  more 
permanent  impressions  of  an  affectionate  natuie. 
4(1 1  heard  at  Bristol,  that  you  and  your  friends 
had  remembered  me  in  your  prayers,  at  Ketter- 
ing. Whether  the  Lord  whom  we  serve  may  see 
fit  to  answer  your  petitions  on  my  account,  or  not, 
nip,y.  they  at  least  be  returned  into  your  own 
bosoms  ! 

II  For  the  sake  of  others,  I  should  be  hap- 
py, couid  I  assure  you  that  my  health  was  im- 
proving. As  to  myself,  I  thank  God,  that  I  am 
Tiot  without  a  desire  to  depart,  and  to  ie:  witii 
Christ,  which  isfarbetier.  I  find  that  neither  in 
sickness  nor  in  health,  1  can  be  so  much  as  I 
wish  like  Him  whom  I  love.  '  To  die  is  gain  :* 
Oh  to  gain  that  state,  those  feelings,  that  char- 
acter, which  perfectly  accord  with  the   mind   of 

Christ,  and  aie  attended  with  the  full  persuasion 
pf  his  complete  and  everlasting  approbation  !  I 
want  no  heaven  but  this  ;  and  to  gain  this,  most 
gladly  would  I  this  moment  expire.  But  if  to  a- 
"bide  in  the  flesh  be  more  needful  for  an  individ- 
ual of  my  feiiow-mcn, —  Lord,  let  thy  will  be 
done;  only  let  Christ  l)e  magnified  by  rae>  wlyfcj 
theria  lite  ox  death ) 


M&.  SAMUEL  PEARCE:  \if 

"The  weather  has  been  so  wet  and  windy 
since  I  have  been  a,t  Plymouth,  that  I  could  not 
reasonably  expect  to  be  much  better;  and  I  can- 
not say  that  I  am  much  worse.  All  the  future  is 
uncertain.  Professional  men  encourage  me  ; 
but  frequent  returns  appear,  and  occasional  dis- 
charges of  blood  check  my  expectations.  If  I 
speak  but  for  two  minutes,  my  breast  feels  as 
sore  as  though  it  were  scraped  with  a  rough-edged 
razor  ;  so  that  I  am  mute  all  the  day  long  and 
have  actually  learned  to  converse  with  my  sister 
by  means  of  our  fingers. 

"  I  thank  you  tor  yours  of  April  4th,  which  I 
did  not  receive  till  the  12th,  the  day  that  I  ar- 
rived at  Plymouth.  On  the  1  6th,  a  copy  of  yours 
to  brother  Ryland  came  to  hand,  to  which  I 
should  have  replied  yesterday,  but  had  not  leis- 
ure, lam  happy  and  thankful  for  your  success, 
May  the  Lord  himseif  piiot  the  Criterion  safely 
to  Calcutta  river  ! 

"  Unless  the  Lord  work  a  miracle  for  me,  I 
am  sure  that  I  shall  not  be  able  to  attend  the  OI- 
ney  meeting.  It  is  to  my  feelings  a  severe  anti- 
cipation ;  but  how  can  i  be  a  Christian,  and  not 
submit  to  God  ? 

S.  P." 

§000600000$ 

To  MR.  WM.  WARD. 

F V) ^mouth ,  April  22,   1759- 

"  MOSTaffectionaieiy  do  1  thank  you  fov 
your  letter,  so  fuJI  of  information,  and  of  friend* 
ship.  Yo  our  common  Friend,  who  is  gone  into 
heaven,  where  lie  ever  siueth  at  the  right  hand 
of  Goo  foi  us,  I  tommend  vou.  Whether  1  die 
Of  i\e,  God  vM.i  toke  caie  of  ycu  thi  he  has 
ed  yuu  for  the  common  salvation.  Then 
shall!  meet  my  deaf  brother  Ward  again;  ami 


T20  MEMOIRS  OF  THF  LAT& 

who  can  tell  how  much  more  interesting  our  in- 
tercourse in  heaven  will  be  m  >de  by  the  scenes 
tlut  most  distress  our  poor  spirits  here.  Oh  had 
I  none  to  live  for,  I  had  rather  die  thin  live, 
that  I  may  be  at  once  nke  H;m  whom  1  iuve. 
But  while  he  insures  me  Grace — why  should  I 
reg:et  the  delav  of  Glory  !  No:  1  will  wait  his 
Will,   who  performeth  all  things  for  me.  , 

**  My  dear  brother,  had  I  strength,  I  should 
rejoice  to  acquaint  you  with  the  wrestlings  and 
the  victories,  the  hopes  and  the  fears,  the  pleas- 
ures and  the  pangs,  which  I  have  lately  expe- 
rienced. But  I  must  forbear.  All  1  can  now  say 
is,  that  God  hath  done  me  much  good  hv  alJ, 
and  made  me  very  thankful  for  all  he  has  clone. 

11  Alas  !  1  shall  see  you  no  more.  I  cannot  be 
atOiney  on  the  7th  of  May.  The  journey  would 
be  my  death  ;  but  the  Lord  whom  you  serve, 
will  be  with  you  then  and  forever.  My  love  to 
all  the  dear  assembled  saints,  who  will  give  you 
their  benedictions  at  that  soiemn  season. 
"Ever  yours, 


S.  P. 


€0000000000 


To  DR.  RYLAND. 

"  Plymouth,  April  2 4,   1 799. 
*c  Very  dear  Brother, 

"MY  health  is  in  much  the  same  state  as 
when  I  wrote  last,  excepting  that  mv  muscular 
strength  rat  er  increases,  and  my  powers  of  speak- 
ing  se,  in  less  and  fess  every  week.  lhave,furthe 
most  part,  spoken  only  in  whispeis  for  several 
days  past;  and  even  these  seem  too  much  for 
roy  irritable  lungs.  My  father  asked  me  a  ques- 
tion to-dav  ;  he  did  not  understand  me  when  I 
whispertd  5  so  1  was  obliged  to  utter  one  word, 
and  one  word  wily,  a  little  louder,  and    that 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEAROE.  121 

brought  on  a  soreness,  which  I  expect  to  feel  till 
bed  time. 

11  I  am  still  looking  out  for  fine  weather  :  all 
here  is  cold  and  rainy.  We  have  had  but  two  or 
three  fair  and  warm  days  since  i  have  been  here  ; 
then  I  felt  better.  I  am  perfectly  at  a  loss  even 
to  guess  what  the  Lord  means  to  do  with  me  ;  but 
1  desire  to  commit  my  ways  to  him,  and  be  at 
peace.  I  am  going  to-day  about  five  miles  into 
the  country  (to  Tamerton,)  where  I  shall  await1 
the  will  of  God  concerning  rne. 

';  I  knew  not  of  any  commit'ee-mceiing  cf  out- 
Society  to  be  held  respecting  Mr.  Marsh  man  and 
his  wife.  I  have  therefore  sent  no  vote,  and 
indeed  it  is  my  happiness  that  I  have  full  confi- 
dence in  my  brethren,  at  this  important  crisis, 
since  close  thinking  or  much  writing  always  in* 
creases  my   fever,  and    promotes  my  complaint. 

14  My  dear  brother,  I  hope  you  will  correspond' 
much  with  Kettering.  1  used  to  be  a  medium, 
but  G<>d  has  put  me  out  of  the  way.  Iconic? 
weep  that  i  can  serve  him  no  more  :  and  yet  I* 
fear  so.ne  wmld  be  tears  of  pride.  Oh  !  for  per- 
fect likeness  to  my  humble  Lord  J 

&  IV' 


woooa 


To  MR.  KING. 

11  Tamertai)   May  2,  179^, 
-GIVE  my  love  to  all   the  dear. 


people  at  Cannon-street  Oh  pray  thai  He  who 
afflicts  will  give  me  patience  to  endure.  Indeed, 
the  state  of  suspense  in  which  i  have  been  kept 
so  long,  requires  much  of  it  :  and  I  often  ex- 
claim, ere  I  am  aware,  '  Oh  my  dear  people  ! 
Oh  my  dear  family  !  When  shall  I  be  restored 
to  you  again  J'   The  Lord  forgive  all  the  sin  o£ 


122  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

my  desires  ?  At  times  I  feel  a  sweet  and  perfect 
calm,  and  wish  even  to  live  under  the  influence 
of  a  belief  in  the  goodness  of  God,  and  of  all  his 
plans,  and  all  his  works, 

S.  P." 

00000000000 

The  reader  has  seen  how  much  he  regretted 
being  absent  from  the  soiemn  designation  of  the 
miss  onaries  at  Omey.  He  however  addiessed 
the  following  lines  to  Mr.  Fuller*  wlvcb  were 
read  at  the  acse  of  that  meeting,  to  the  dissolv- 
ing of  nearly  the  whole  assembly  in  tears  :— - 
'*  Tamerton,  May  2,    1799. 

m, -OH  that  the  Lord,  who  is  un- 

eonfined  by  place  or  condition,  may  copiously 
pour  out  upon  you  all  the  rich  effusions  of  his 
Holy  Spirit  on  the  approaching  day  !  My  most 
hearty  love  to  each  Missionary,  who  may  then 
encircle  the  throne  of  Grace.  Happy  men  { 
happy  v7omen  !  you  are  going  to  be  fellow-labour- 
ers with  Christ  himself!  I  congratulate — I  al- 
most envv  you;  yet  I  love  you,  and  can  scarcely 
now  forbear  dropping  a  tear  of  love  as  each  of 
of  v our  names  passes  across  my  mind.  Oh  what 
promises  are  yours  ;  and  what  a  reward!  Surely 
heaven  is  filled  with  double  joy,  and  resounds 
with  unusual  acclamations  at  the  arrival  of  each 
missionary  there.  Oh  be  faithful,  my  deair 
brethien,  my  dear  sisters,  be  faithful  unto  death, 
and  all  this  j-*y  is  yours  !  Long  as  I  live,  my 
imagination  will  be  hovering  over  you  in  Bengal  ; 
and  sh  uld  I  die,  if  separate  spirits  be  allowed  a 
Visa  to  the  world  they  have  left,  methinks  mine 
would  soon  be  at  M.idnabaUy,  watching  your  la- 
bouis,  your  conflicts,  and  your  pleasures,  whilst 
you  are  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord.  S.  P." 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  123 

To  DR.  RYLlMX 

m  Plymouth^   May  14,    1799, 

Cc  My  dear  Brother, 

*•  YOURS  of  the  nth  instan'  I  have  just 
received,  and  thank  vuu  for  your  continued  1  on* 
cern  for  your  poor  unworthy  brother. 

U  I  have  suffered  much  in  1115  health  since  I 
wrote  to  you  last,  by  the  increase  of  ra\  feverish 
complaint,  which  filled  me  with  heat  and  hoiror 
all  night,  and  in  the  day  sometimes  almost  suf- 
focated me  with  the  violence  of  its  paroxysms.  I 
am  extremely  weak,  and  now  that  w<*rm  weath- 
er which  1  came  into  Devon  to  seek,  1  dread  as 
much  as  the  cold,  because  it  excites  the  fever.  I 
am  happy,  however,  in  the  Lord.  1  have  not  a 
wish  tu  live  or  die,  but  as  he  pleases.  I  truly 
enjoy  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Chiist,  and 
wouid  not  be  without  his  divine  atonement, 
wherein  to  rest  my  soul,  for  ten  thousand  w«n  ids. 
I  feci  quite  weaned  from  eaith,  and  all  things  in 
it.  Death  hath  lost  his  sting,  the  grave  its  hor- 
rors ;  and  tiie  attractions  of  heaven,  1  had  ahnost 
said,  are  sometimes  violent. 

V  Ch  to  grxe  how  great  a  debtor  I9 

"  But  I  am  weaned.  May  ail  grace  abound 
towards  my  dear  brother,  and  his  affectionate 

S.  P." 

00000000000 

To  the  CHURCH  in  C  mnon-street. 

"  P-ymmth,  May  31,    1799. 

"TO  the  dear  people  of  my  charge,  the 
flock    of  Christ,  assemhling    in    Cannon- street, 

Birmingham  ;  the«r  affl.-.-ted  but  affectionate  pas- 
tor, presents  his  love  in  Christ  Jesus,  the  gieat 
Shepherd  of  the  sheep. 


J-24  MEMOIRS  OF  VtiE  LAT£' 

u  My  dearest,  dearest  friends  and  brethreo, 

e5  Separated  as  I  have  been  a  long  time  from 
you,  and  during  that  time  of  separation,  having 
-suffered  much  both  in  body  and  mind,  yet  my 
heart  lias  sail  been  with  you,  participating  in 
your  sorrows,  uniting  in  your  prayers,  and  re- 
jpicingwith  you  in  the  hope  of  that  glory,  to  which 
divine  faithfulness  has  engaged  to  bring  us,  and 
for  which  our  heavenly  father,  by  alJ  his  provi- 
dences, and  bv  every  operation  of  his  Holy 
Spirit,  is  daily  preparing  us 

"  Never,  my  dear  brethren,  did  I  so  much 
rejoice  in  our  being  '  made  partakers  of  the 
heavenly  calling,'  as  during  my  late  afflictions. 
The  sweet  thoughts  of  glory,  where  I  shall  meet 
Ri\  deai  Lord  Jesus,  with  ail  his  redeemed  ones, 
perkcLl-.  freed  from  ah  that  sin  which  now  bur- 
dens us,  and  makes  us  groan  from  day  to  day, — 
th- transports  my  soul,  whilst  out  of  weakness  I 
an  made  strong,  arid  at  times  am  enabled  to 
glory  even  in  my  bodily  infirmities,  that  the  pow- 
er of  Christ,  in  supporting  when  flesh  and  heart 
fail,  may  the  more 'evidently  rest  upon  me.  Oh, 
my  dear  brethren  and  sisters  !  let  me,  as  one 
alive  almost  from  the  dead,  let  me  exhort  you  to 
Stand  fast  in  that  blessed  gospel,  i  ten 

years  I  have  now  preached  among  \  ou  : — the 
gospel  oi  the  grace  of  God  ;  the  gospel  of  free, 
full,  eves  salvation,  founded  on   the  suf- 

ferings and  death  of  God  ma  mj  est  in  the  flesh* 
Lock  much  at  this  all-ari  azing  scene  ! 

*  Bekold  i  a  God  descends  arid  dies, 

To  save  my  son!  from  gaping  hell  !' 

An  a  I  h  e  n  s  a  y  w  hether  any  p  o  c  r  bro  ke  n  -h  e  arte  i 
sinner  need  be  afraid  to  venture  his  hopes  of  sal- 
vation on  such  a  sacrifice  ;  especially,  since  He 
who  is  thus  ' fpighty  to  save,1  hath  said,  than 
*  whosoever  cometh  to  him  he  will  in  no  i 


MR.   SAMUEL    PEAfcCE.  \&S 

tfasteut.'  You,  beloved,  who  have  found  the 
peace-speaking  virtue  of  this  blood  of  atonement, 
must  not  be  satisfied  with  what  you  have  already 
known  or  enjoyed.  The  only  way  to  be  con- 
stantly happy,  and  constantly  prepared  for  the 
most  awful  changes  which  we  must  all  experi- 
ence, is  to  be  constantly  looking  and  coming  to  a 
dying  Saviour  ;  renouncing  all  our  own  worthi- 
ness ;  cleaving  to  the  loving  Jesus  as  our  all  in 
all  ;  giving  up  every  thing,  however  valuable  to 
our  worldiy  interests,  that  clashes  with  our  fidel- 
ity to  Chnst  ;  begging  that  of  his  fullness  we 
may  receive  'grate  upon  grace,'  whilst  our  faith 
actually  relies  on  his  power  and  faithfulness,  for 
the  full  accomplishment  of  every  promise  in  his 
word  that  we  plead  with  him,  and  guarding  a- 
gainsc  every  thing  that  might  for  a  moment  bnng 
distance  and  darkness  between  your  souls,  and 
your  precious  Lord.  If  you  thus  live,  (and  oh 
that  you  may  daily  receive  fresh  life  from  Christ 
-so  to  do  ! )  '  the  peace  of  God  will  keep  your 
hearts  and  minds/  and  you  will  be  filled  with 
voy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.' 

is  a  Church,  you  cannot  conceive  what 
ipleasure  I  have  enjoyed  in  hearing  that  you  are 
in  peace  ;  that  you  attend  prayer- meetings ;  that 
you  seem  to  be  stirred  up  of  late  for  the  honour 
and  prosperity  of  religion.  Go  on  in  these  good 
ways,  my  beloved  friends,  and  assuredly  the 
(Jod  of  peace  will  be  with  you.  Yea,  if  after 
all  I  should  he  taken  entire!)  from  you,  yet  God 
will  surely  visit  you,  and  never  leave  you  nor 
forsake  you. 

'•  As  to  my  health,  I  seem  on  the  whole  to  be 
stiil  mending,  though  but  very  sowly.  Thefe- 
*er  troubles  me  often,  both  by  day  and  night,  but 
my  strength  increases.  I  iong  to  see  your  faces 
in  the  flesh;  yea,  when  I  thought  myself  near 
the  gales  of  the  grave,  1  wished.,  if  it  were  the 
M 


126  MEMOIRS  OF  THE    LATE 

Lord's  will,  to  depart  among  those  whom  I  s© 
jnuch  loved.  But  I  am  in  good  hand3  ;  and  all 
jmust  be  right. 

"I  think  both  you  and  the  congregation  most 
affectionately,  for  all  the  kindness  vou  have 
shewn,  respecting  me  and  my  family,  during  my 
absence.  1  he  Lord  return  it  a  thousand  fold  ! 
My  love  to  every  one,  both  old  and  young,  .  ich 
and  poor  as  though  named.  The  Lord  b!ess  to 
your  edification  the  occasional  ministry  which 
enjoy.  1  hope  you  regularly  attend  upon  it, 
and  keep  together,  as  'the  horses  in  Pharaoh's 
chariot.'  1  pray  much  for  you  :  pray,  still  pray 
for  vour  very  affectionate,  though  unworthy, 
pastor, 

S.  P." 

In  a  postscript  to  Mr.  King,  he  says,  "  I 
have  made  an  effort  to  write  this  letter:  my 
affections  would  take  no  denial  ;  but  it  has 
brought  on  the  fever." 

ooooooooooo 

It  seems  to  have  been  about  thii  time  he  wrote 
the  following  lines,  which  have  appeared  in  sev- 
eral periodical  publications,  but  with  many  inac- 
curacies : — — 

HYMN  IN  A  STORM. 

Ci  IN  the  floods  of  tribulation, 

While  i  he  billows  o'er  me  roll, 
Jesus  whispers  consolation, 

And  supports  my  fainting  sou!* 
Thus  the  lion  yields  me  honey, 

From  the  eater  food  is  given  ; 
Strengthened  thus  I  still  press  forward, 

Singing  as  I  wade  to  heavvn,— 
Stfecr  affliction  !   sweet  affl  cn'on, 

That  brings  Jesus  to  my  soul  I 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  IfTl 

*Mid  the  gloom  the  vivid  lightnings 

With  increased  brightness  play  i 
*Mid  the  thornbrake,  beauteous  fiow'retS 

Look  more  beautiful  and  gay  ; 
So,  in  darkest  dispensations, 

Doth  my  faithful  LorH  appears 
With  hi^  richest  consolations, 

To  re  animate  and  cheer. 
Sweet  affliction  !  sweet  affliction, 

Thus  to  bring  my  Saviour  near  I 

Floods  of  tribulation  heighten, 

Billows  still  around  me  roar  % 
Those  that  know  not  Christ— yc  frighten? 

But  my  soul  defies  your  pow'r. 
In  the  sacred  page  recorded, 

Thus  his  word  securely  stands,— 
•*  Fear  not,  I'm  in  troable  near  thee, 

Nought  shall  pluck  thee  from  my  hands/1 
Sweet  affliction  !   sweet  affliction, 

That  to  such  sweet  words  lay  claim  ! 

All  I   meet  I  find  assitss  me 

In  my  path  to  heav'nly  joy, 
Where,  though  trials  now  attend  me* 

Trials  never  more  annoy  : 
Wearing  there  a  weight  of  glory, 

Still  the  path  I'll  ne'er  forget  ; 
But,  reflecting  how  it  led  me 

To  my  blessed  Saviour's  seat, 
Cry,  Affliction  !   sweet  affliction  ! 

Haste  !  bring  more  to  Jesus'  feet  V 

ooooooooooo 

Towards  the  latter  end  of  May,  when  Mr. 
Ward,  and  his  companions,  were  jus'  ready  to> 
set  sail,  a  consultation  concerning  Mr.  Pearce 
was  held  onboard  the  Criterion,  in  which  all  the 
missionaries,  and  some  of  the  members  of  the 
Baptist  Missionary  Society  were  present.  It  was 
well  known  that  he  had  for  several  years  been 


(23  MEMOIRS   OF  THE    LATE- 

engaged  in  preparing  materials  for  a  History  of 
Missions,  to  be  comprised  in  two  volumes  oc- 
tavo :  and  as  the  sending  of  the  gospel  amongst 
the  heathens  had  so  deeply  occupied  his  hearty 
considerable  expectations  had  been  formed  by  re* 
ligious  people,  of  his  producing  an  interesting 
vvoik  on  the  subject.  The  question  n<  w  was, 
Could  not  this  performance  be  finished  by  other 
hands,  and  the  profits  of  it  be  appropriated  to 
the  benefit  of  Mr.  Pearce's  family  ?  It  was  ad- 
mitted by  all,  that  this  work  would,  partly  from 
its  own  merits,  and  partly  from  the  great  inter- 
est which  the  author  justly  possessed  in  the  pub- 
lic esteem,  be  very  productive  ;  and  that  it  would 
be  a  delicate  and  proper  method  of  enabling  the 
religious  public,  by  subscribing  liberally  to  it,  to 
^afford  substantial  assistance  to  the  family  of  this1 
excellent  man.  The  result  was,  that  one  of  the 
members  of  the  Society  addressed  a  letter  to  Mr. 
jPearce's  relations,  at  Plymouth,  requesting  them 
to  consult  him  as  he  should  be  able  to  bear  it,  re- 
specting the  state  of  his  manuscripts  ;  and  to  in- 
quire whether  they  were  in  a  condition  to  admit* 
of  being  finished  by  another  hand  ;  desiring  them 
also  to  assure  him,  for  his  present  relief  concern- 
ing his  dear  family,  that  whatever  the  hand  of 
friendship  could  effect  on  their  behalf,  should  be 
accomplished.  The  answer,  though  it  left  no 
manner  of  hope  as  to  the  accomplishment  of  the 
object,  yet  is  so  expressive  of  the  reigning  dis- 
positions of  the  writer's  heart,  as  an  affectionate 
husband,  a  tender  father,  a  grateful  friend,  and 
a  sincere  Christian,  that  it  cannot  be  uninteresting 
to  the  reader  :— 

i:  Tamerton^  Jun$  24,  1799. 

u  TO  use    the  common  introduction  of 
*  dear  brother,'  would  fall  so  far  short  of  my  feel- 
ings towards  a   friend,  whose  uniform  conduct 
lias  ever  laid  so  great  a  claim  to  my  affection  and 


MEMOIRS   OF  THE   LATE  129 

gratitude  ;  buf  whose  recent  kindness, — kindness 
in  adversity — kindness  to  my  wfe — kindness  to 

my    children kindness   that   would  go  far  to 

'smooth  the  bed  of  death/  has  overwhelmed 
mv  whole  soul  in  tender  thankfulness,  ..and 
engaged  my  everiasting  esteem.  1  know  not 
ho  to  begin.  ..  .  'Thought  is  poor,  and  poor 
expression:'  The  only  thing  that  lay  heavy  on 
my  heart,  when  in  the  nearest  prospect  of  eter- 
nity, was  the  future  situation  of  my  family.  I 
had  but  a  comparatively  small  portion  to  leave 
behind  me,  and  yet  that  iittle  was  the  tf//ihat  art 
amiable  woman,  deiicately  brought  up,  and, 
through  mercy,  for  the  most  part  comfortably 
provided  for  since  she  entered  on  domestic  life, 
• — with  five  babes  to  feed,  clothe,  and  educate, 
had  to  subsist  on.  Ah,  what  a  prospect !  Hard 
and  long  I  strove  to  realize  the  promises  made  to 
the  wicows  and  the  fatherless  ;  but  these  alone\ 
d  not  fully  rest  on  and  enjoy.  For  my  own 
part,  God  was  indeed  very  gracious.  1  was  wil- 
ling, i  hope,  to  linger  in  suffering,  if  I  might 
thereby  most  glorify  him,  and  death  was  an  an- 
gel whom  I  longed  to  come  and  embrace  me, 
4  cold*  as  his  embraces  are.  But  how  could  I 
leave  those  who  were  dearest  to  my  heart  in  the 
midst  of  a  World,  in  which,  although  thousands 
now  professed  friendship  for  me,  and,  on  my 
account,  for  mine  ;  ^et  after  my  decease,  would, 
with  few  exceptions,  soon  forget  my  widow  and 
my  children  among  the  crowds  of  the  needy  and 
distressed. — It  was  at  this  moment  of  painful  sen- 
sibility thai  your  heart  meditated  a  plan  to  remove 
my  anxieties  ; — a  plan  too  that  would  involve 
much  personal  labour  before  it  couid  be  accom- 
plished. ■  Biesseu  be  God,  who  put  it  into  thy 
heart,  and  b  essed  be  thou.'  May  the  blessing 
of  the  widow  and  the  fatherless  i  est  an  you  an4 
yours  forever.     Amen  and  amen  i 


ISO  MEMOIRS  &P  THE  LACE 

"  You  will  regret  perhaps  that  I  have  taken  up 
so  much  room  respecting  yourself,  but  I  have 
scarcely  gratified  the  shadow  of  my  wishes. 
Exc  use  then  on  the  one  hand,  that  I  have  said  so 
much,  and  accept  on  the  other,  what  remains 
unexpressed. 

*'  My  affections  and  desires  are  among  my 
dear  people  at  Birmingham  ;  and  unless  I  find  my 
strength  increase  here,  I  purpose  to  set  out  for 
that  place  in  the  course  of  a  fortnight,  or  at  most 
a  month.  The  journey  performed  by  short  sta- 
ges, may  do  me  good:  if  not,  1  expect  when 
ihe  winter  comes  to  sleep  in  peace  ;  and  it  will 
delight  my  soul  to  see  them  once  more  before  I 
die.  Besides,  I  have  many  little  arrangements  to 
make  among  my  books  and  papers,  to  prevent 
confusion  after  my  decease.  Indeed,  till  I  get 
home,  I  cannot  fullv  answer  your  kind  letter  ; 
"but  I  fear  that  my  materials  consist  so  much  in 
♦references,  which  none  but  myself  would  under- 
stand, that  a  second  person  could  not  take  it  up* 
and  prosecute  it.  I  am  still  equally  indebted  to 
you  f  >r  a  proposal  so  generous,  so  laborious. 

"  Rejoice  with  me,  that  the  blessed  gospel 
Sill]  '  beais  mv  spirits  up/  I  am  become  famil- 
iar with  the  thoughts  of  dying.  I  have  taken  my 
leave  often  of  the  world  ;  and  thanks  be  to  God,. 
I  d  >  it  always  with  tranquility,  and  often  with 
rapture.  On,  what  grace,  what  grace  it  was, 
ihil  ever  called  me  to  be  a  Christian?  What 
Would  have  been  mv  present  feelings,  if  1  were 
going  to  meet  God  with  all  the  filth  and  load  of 
my  sin  about  me  !  But  God  in  my  nature  hath  put 
my  sin  awav,  taught  me  to  love  him,  and  long 
for  his  appearing.  Oh,  my  dear  brother,  how 
consonant  is  everlasting  praise  with  such  a  greafc 
.salvation. 

S.  R" 


&R.  SAMUEL   PEARCE-.  I3i 

After  this,  another  letter  was  addressed  to  Mr. 
Pearce,  informing  him  more  particularly  that  the 
above  proposal  did  not  originate  witn  an  individ- 
ual, but  with  several  of  the  brethren  who  dearly- 
loved  him,  and  had  consulted  on  the  business  ; 
and  that  it  was  no  more  than  an  act  of  justice  to 
one  who  had  spent  his  life  in  serving  the  public  ; 
also  requesting  him  to  give  directions  by  which 
his  manuscripts  might  be  found  and  examined^ 
lest  he  should  be  taken  away  before  his  arrival  at 
Birmingham.     To  this  he  answered  as  follows ; 

"  Plymouth,  July  6,   1 799, 

u  I  NEED  not  repeat  the  growing  sense  I 
have  of  your  kindness,  and  yet  1  know  not  how 
to  forbear. 

"I  cannot  direct  Mr.  K to  all  my  papers, 

as  many  of  them  are  in  books  from  which  1  was* 
making  extracts  ;  and  if  I  could,  I  am  persuaded 
that  they  are  in  a  state  too  confused,  incorrect, 
and  unfinished,  to  suffer  you  or  any  other  friend, 
to  realize  your  kind  intentions. 

"  I  have  possessed  a  tenacious  memory.  I 
have  begun  one  part  of  the  history  ;  read  the  ne- 
cessary books  ;  leflected  ;  arranged  ;  written, 
perhaps,  the  introduction  ;  and  then,  trusting  to 
mv  recollection,  with  the  revisai  of  the  books  a& 
I  should  want  them,  have  employed  myself  in 
getting  materials  fur  another  part,  &c.  Thus,, 
tiil  my  illness,  the  volumes  existed  in  my  head, 
— my  books  were  at  hand,  and  I  was  on  the  eve 
of  writing  them  out,  when  11  pleased  God  to 
make  me  pause  :  and,  as  close  thinking  has  been 
Strongly  forbidden  rae,  I  dare  say,  that  were  I 
again  restored  to  health,  1  should  find  itnecessa* 
rv  to  go  over  much  of  my  former  reading  to  re- 
iresh  memory. 

'*  It  is  now  Saturday.  On  Monday  next  we 
propose   setting  out  on  our  return.    May  th& 


\Z2  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

Lord  prosper  our  way  !  Accept  the  sincere  F- 
fci  nun,  and  the  ten  thousand  thank*,  of  )  ur 
brother  in  the  Lord, 

&  p." 

As  the  manuscripts  were  found  to  be  in  such  a 
state,  that  no  person,  except  the  author  himself, 
could  finish  them,  the  design  was  necessarily 
dropped.  The  public  mind,  however,  was 
deeply  impressed  with  Mr.  Pearce's  worth,  and 
that,  which  the  friendship  of  a  few  could  not  ef- 
fect, ha^  since  been  amply  accomplished  by  the. 
liberal  exertions  of  many. 

00000000000 

To  MR.  BIRT. 

M  Birmingham^  July  26*   1 799. 

u  IT  Is  not  with  common  feelings  tuat  I 
begin  a  letter  to  you.  Your  name  brings  so  ma- 
ny interesting  circumstances  of  my  lite  before  me, 
in  which  your  friendship  has  been  so  uniformly 
and  eminently  displayed,  that  now,  amidst  the 
imbecilities  of  sickness,  and  the  serious  prospect 
of  another  world,  my  heart  is  overwhelmed  with 
gratitude,  whilst  it  glows  with  affection, — an  af- 
fection which  eternity  will  not  annihilate  but  im- 
prove. 

We  reached  Bristol  on  the  Friday  after  we  part- 
ed from  you,  having  suited  our  progress  to  my 
Strength  and  spirits.  We  staid  with  Bristol  friends 
till  Monday,  when  we  pursued  ou:  journey,  and 
went  comfortably  on,  till  the  uncommonly  rough 
road  from  Tewkesbury  u>  Evesham  quite  jaded 
me  ;  and  I  have  not  yet  re<  overed  fioa.  the  ex- 
cessive faiigue  of  that  miserable  tide.  Ai  Ait  es- 
ter we  rested  a  day  and  a  half,  and,  through  the 
abundant  goodness  of  God,  we  Safer  arrived  at 
Birmingham  on  Friday  evening,  the  I9lh  ofjuiy. 


MR.  SAMUEL  FEARCE;  1S3 

'•  I  feel  an  undisturbed  tranquility  of  souK  and 
am  cheerfully  waiting  the  will  of  God.  My 
voice  is  gone,  so  that  I  cannot  whisper  without 
pain  ;  and  of  this  circumstance  1  am  at  times 
most  ready  to  complain.  For,  to  see  my  dear 
and  amiable  Sarah  look  at  vie7  and  then  at  the 
children,  and  at  length  bathe  her  face  in  tears, 
without  my  being  able  to   say   one  kind  word   of 

comfort, Oh  !  ! Yet    the    Lord 

supports  me  under  this  also  ;  and  I  trust  will  sujj^ 
port  me  to  the  end. 

S.  P.u* 

OOOUOOOOOOS 

To  MR.  ROCK. 

July  2$,  179$, 

"  ,.    ■  I  AM  now  to  all  appearance  within 

a  few  steps  of  eternity.     In  Christ  I  am  safe.    In 
him  I  am  happy,    I  trust  we  shall  meet  in  heaveit. 

s.  p.» 

ocooooooooo 
To  R.  BOWYER,  esq. 

11  Birmingham,  August  1,  17$^. 

**  MUCH  disappointed  that  1  am  not  re- 
leased from  this  world  of  sin,  and  put  in  posses- 
sion of  the  pleasures  enjoyed  by  the  spirits  of 
just  men  made  perfect,  I  once  more  address  my 
dear  fellow  heirs  of  that  glory  which  ere  long 
shall  be  revealed  to  us  all. 

"  We  returned  from  Devon  last  Friday  week. 
I  was  exceedingly  weak,  and  for  several  days  af- 
terwards got  rapidly  worse.  My  friends  com- 
pelled me  to  try  another  physician.  I  am  still 
told  that  I  shall  recover.    Be  that  as  it  may,  I 


1  34  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

wish  to  have  my  own  will  annihilated,  that  the 
will  of  the  Lord  may  be  done.  Through  his 
abundant  grace,  1  have  been,  and  still  am  happy 
in  my  soul  ;  and  I  trust  mv  prevailing  desire  is, 
that  living  or  dying  I  may  be  the  Lord's. 

S.  P." 

GGO0OG0OO 

To  R.  BOWYER,  es*, 

€nhii  having  sent  him  a  print  of  Mr.  Schwartz,  ife 
Missionary  en  the  Malabar  coast. 

"  Birmingham,  August  16,  1799. 

"  ON  three  accounts  was  your  last  parcel 
highly  acceptable.  It  represented  a  man,  whom 
I  have  long  been  in  the  habit  of  loving  and  re- 
verering  ;  and  whose  character  and  labours  I  in- 
tended, if  the  Lord  had  not  laid  his  hand  upon 
me  by  my  present  illness  >  to  have  presented  to 
the  public  in  Europe,  as  he  himself  presented 
them  to  the  millions  of  Asia. —  The  execution 
bearing  so  strong  a  likeness  to  the  original,  height- 
ened its  value.  And  then,  the  hand  from  whence 
it  came,  and  the  friendship  it  was  intended  to 
express,  add  to  its  worth. 

s.  ?;> 

QOOOOOOOOOO 

To  MR.  FULLER. 

"Birmingham,  August  1 9,  1799. 

u  THE  doctor  has  been  making  me  worse 
and  weaker  for  three  weeks.  In  the  middie  of 
the  last  wt  ek  he  spoke  confidently  of  my  recov- 
ery :  but  to-day  he  has  seen  fit  to  alter  his  plans  ; 
and  if  i  do  not  find  a  speedy  alteration  for  the  bet- 
ter, 1  must  have  done  with  all  physicians,  but 
Him,  who  'heaieth  the  broken  in  heart/ 


MR.    SAMUEL  PEARCE.  13S 

f4  For  some  time  after  I  came  home,  I  was  led 
to  beiieve  my  case  to  he  consumptive,  and  then 
thinking  myself  of  a  certainty  near  the  kingdom 
of  heaven,  1  rejoiced  hourly  in  the  delightful 
prospect. 

"  Sin:e  then,  I  have  been  toid  that  I  am  not 
in  a  dangerous  way  ;  and  though  I  give  very  lit- 
tle credit  to  such  assertions  in  this  case,  yet  I 
have  found  my  mind  so  taken  up  with  earth  agaia 
tba  I  seem  as  though  I  had  another  soul.  My 
spuuual  pleasures  are  greatly  interrupted,  and 
some  of  the  most  plaintive  parts  of  the  most 
plaintive  Psalms  seem  the  only  true  language  cf 
my  heart.  Yet,  'Thy  will  be  done,'  I  trust  pre- 
vails ;  and  if  it  be  the  Lord's  will  that  I  linger 
long,  and  suffer  much,  Oh  let  him  give  me  the 
patience  of  hope,  and  still,  his  will  be  done. — • 
I  can  write  no  more.  This  isa  whole  day's  work  ; 
for  it  is  only  after  tea  that  for  a  few  minutes  I  can 
sit  up,  and  attend  to  any  thing. 

CO0OO0OOOOQ 

From  the  latter  end  of  August,  and  all  through 
the  month  of  September,  to  the  tenth  of  October, 
the  day  on  which  he  died,  he  seems  to  have  been 
unable  to  write. —  He  did  not,  however,  lose  the 
exercise  of  his  mental  powers  :  and  though  in 
the  last  of  the  above  letters  he  complains  of 
darkness,  it  appears  that  he  soon  recovered  that 
peace  and  joy  in  God,  by  which  his  affliction, 
and  even  his  life,  were  distinguished. 

Four  excellent  letters,  addressed  to  Dr.  Rylandf 
Mr.  Pope,  ar.d  Mi  King,  appear  at  the  end  of 
his  funeral  sermon,  published  by  Dr  Rvland, to- 
gether with  various  short  sentences,  which  he 
dropped  during  the  last  five  or  s.x  weeks  of  his 
Arid  as  the  readets  of  the  Sermon  will  pro- 


13#  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATB 

bably  wish  to  have  it  bound  up  with  the  Memoirs* 
both  are  connected  together  for  that  purpose. 

A  little  before  he  died,  he  was  visited  by  Mr. 
Medlev,  of  London,  with  whom  he  had  been 
particularly  intimate  on  his  fiist  coming  to  Bir- 
mingham. Mr.  Pearce  was  much  affected  at  the 
sight  of  his  friend  j  and  continued  silently  weep- 
ing for  nearly  ten  minutes,  holding  and  pressing 
bis  Hind.  After  this,  he  spoke,  or  rather,  whis- 
pered as  follows  : — u  This  sick  bed  is  a  Bethel  to 
me  :  it  is  none  other  than  the  house  of  God,  and 
the  gate  of  heaven.  I  can  scarcely  express  the 
pleasures  that  I  have  enjoyed  in  this  affliction. — 
The  nearer  I  draw  to  my  dissolution,  the  happier 
I  am.  It  scarcelv  can  be  called  an  affliction,  it 
is  so  counterbalanced  with  joy.  You  have  lost 
jroui  pious  father :  teil  me  how  it  was."  Here 
Mr-  Medley  informed  him  of  particulars.  He 
wept  much  at  the  recital,  and  especially  at  hear- 
ing of  his  last  words, — "  Home,  Home  !"  Mr. 
Medley  telling  him  of  some  temptations  he  had 
lateiy  met  with,  he  charged  him  to  keep  near  to 
God.  "Keep  close  to  God,1'  said  he,  "an<i 
.•nothing  will  hurt  you  !" 

C00C0G00009 

The  following  familiar  compositions,  which 
were  found  amongst  Mr.  Pearce's  papers,  appea: 
i(j  have  been  written  at  distant  intervals  :— 

1  Jesus  Christ  our  LorJ%  both  theirs  ardours.*  I  Cor.  1.  ?. 

M  SWEET  are  the  gifts  which  gracious  Heav'a 

On  true  Believers  pours  ; 
But  the  best  gift  is  grace  to  know 

That  Jeeus  Christ  is  ours, 

Qur  Jesus  !   what  rich  drops  of  blisf 

Descend  in  copious  show'rs; 
When  » iiin'd  sinners,  such  as  we, 

B;  faith  can  call  him  ouru 


&IR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  131 

Differ  we  may  in  age  and  state, 

Learning  and  mental  powr'6, 
But  all    he  saints  may  join  and  shout, 

Dear  Jesus  I   thou  art  ours* 

Let  those  who  know  our  Jems  not, 

Delight  in  earth's  gay  fl  jw'rs  : 
We,  glorying  in  onr  better  lot, 

Rejoice  that  He  is  ours. 

When  hope,   with  elevated  light, 

I  ow'ida  heav'n  \x\  rapture  towr's, 

'Tis  ;hi^  ^uppots  our  ventioin  wing, 
We  know  that  Christ  is  ours. 


Though  providence,  with  dark'ning  sky, 

On  things  terrestrial  lowrs, 
Wc  rise  superior  to  the  gloom 

When  singing,  Christ  is  ours. 

Time,  which  this  world,  with  all  its  joys, 

With  eager  haste  devours, 
May  take  inferior  things  away, 

But  Jesus  still  is  ours. 

Haste  then,  dull  time,  and  terminate 

Thy  slow  revolving  hours  : 
We  wish,   we  pray,   we  lor.)g,  we  pant, 

In  Heav:n  to  call  him  ours  \u 

ooooooooooo 
£t  Plain  Dealing  ivitb  a  Backsliding  Heart  *\ 

«{  STUPID  soul  to  folly  cleaving, 

Why  haa  God  no  more  thy  heart; 

Why  art  'hou  thy  mtrcie-  leaving  ; 
Why  must  thou  with  Je-us  part  ? 

Is  there  in  this  world  existing 

Aught  with  J  sus  to  compare  ; 

\  ea,  can  heav'n  iueli  produce  one 
Half  so  lovely,  halt  so  fair  i 
N 


1S3  MEMOIRS   OF   THE    LATE 

Ah  !   look  back  upon  the  season, 

When  thy  soul  the  Saviour  chose$ 

For  thy  portion,  and  thy  spirit 
Did  with  his  salvation  close. 

Ah  !   remember  thine  espousals  ; 

Didst  thou  not  with  Christ  agree, 
Leaving  all  thy  former  lovers, 

His  and  his  alone  to  be  1 

In  his  love  thy  powr's  exulting, 

What  did  -ill  btlow  appear  ; 
Was  ilurt  aught  seemM  worth  possessing^ 

Worthy  of  a  hope  or  fear  i 

When  thy   heart,  by  grace  instructed, 

Learnt  the  world  todisesteem, 
And  to  Christ  for  all  resorted, 

Was  there  not  enough  in  him  ? 

Yes  ;  thou  know'st  thy  joyful  spirit 

Knew  no  unfulfil'd  desire  ; 
Longmg  still,  and  still  receiving 

Fuel  for  the  heav'nly  fire. 

Why  then,  tell  me,  now  so  lifeless. 

Why  this  heav'nly  fountain  leave  £ 
Why  to  broken  cisterns  seeking. 

Cisterns  that  no  water  give  ? 
* 
Doth  not  disappointment  follow 

Ev'ry  step  that  leads  from  God  ; 
Have  not  piercing  thorns  and  briers 

Shown  their  points  through  all  the  roadl 

Recollect,  'tis  thus  the  Saviour 
Says  he  will  thy  soul  reclaim, 

With  weeping  and  with  supplication, 
fiumbly  offer'd  through  his  name/' 


ilR.  SAMUEL  PEA'RCE.  13?. 

"  Invocation  to  returning  Peace," 

'«  SWEET  Peace  return  !  thy  wonted  bliss  restore, 
Bid  war's  insatiate  scourge  prevail  no  more  ; 
Sheathe  the  dread  sword  that  deals  destruction  round. 
And  ev'ry  ear  saliue  with  tranquil  sound  ! 
Oh  !  bid  oppression  from  each  land  retire, 
And  Briton's  sons  with  halcyon  bliss  inspire  ; 
Remove  the  mis'ry  of  domestic  woes, 
And  hush  the  tumult  of  contending  foes  ! 
Let  each,  with  patriot  zeal,  all  strife  disown  ; 
Be  one  their  wishes,  and  their  motives  one  ! 
The  widow's  tears,  her  sad  corroding  care, 
The  orphan's  sighs,  assist  this  ardent  pray'i  ; 
May  he  on  whom  propitious  fortune  smiles, 
Relieve  that  breast  which  adverse  fate  beguiles  ! 
May  virtue'8  impulse  ev'ry  purpose  move, 
To  acts  of  goodness,  cvitersal  lovs  V9 


140  MEMOIRS  OP  THE  LATE 

CHAP.  V. 

GENERAL  OUTLINtS  OF  HIS  CHARACTER. 

TO  develop  the  character  of  any  person,  it 
Is  necessary  to  determine  what  was  his  governing 
principle.  If  this  can  be  clearly  ascertained,  we 
shall  easily  account  for  the  tenor  of  his  conduct. 

The  governing  principle  in  Mr.  Pearce,  be- 
yond ail  doubt,  was  Holy  Love. 

i  o  mention  this,  is  sufficient  to  prove  it  to  al! 
who  knew  him.  His  friends  have  often  compar- 
ed him  to  that  disciple  whom  Jesus  loved.  His- 
religion  was  that  at  the  heart.  Almost  every 
thing  he  saw,  or  heard,  or  read,  or  studied,  was 
converted  to  the  feeding  of  this  divine  flame. 
Every  subject  that  passed  throughhishands,  seem- 
ed to  have  been  cast  into  this  mould.  Things, 
that  to  a  merely  speculative  mind  would  have 
furnished  matter  only  for  curiosity,  to  him  af- 
forded materials  for  devotion.  His  sermons 
were  generally  the  effusions  of  his  heart,  and  in- 
variably aimed  at  the  hearts  of  his  hearers. 

For  the  justness  of  the  above  remarks,  I  might 
appeal  not  only  to  the  letters  which  he  addressed 
to  his  friends,  but  to  those  which  his  friends  ad- 
dressed to  him.  It  is  worthy  of  notice  how  much 
we  are  influenced  in  our  correspondence  by  the 
turn  of  mind  of  the  person  we  address.  If  we 
write  to  a  humorous  character,  we  shall  generally 
find  that  what  we  write,  perhaps  without  being 
conscious  of  it,  will  be  interspersed  with  pleas- 
antries: or  if  to  one  of  a  very  serious  cast*  our 
letters  will  be  more  serious  than  usual.  On  this 
principle,  it  has  been  thought,  we  may  form 
some  judgment  of  our  own  spirit  by  the  spirit  in 
which  our  friends  address  us.  These  remarks' 
will  apply  with  singular  propriety  to  the  cor  res- 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE;  t4£ 

pondence  of  Mr.  Pearce.  In  looking  over  the 
first  volume  of  Periodical  Accounts  of  the  Baptist 
Mission,  the  reader  will  easily  perceive  the  most 
affectionate  letters  from  the  missionaries  are  those 
which  are  addressed  to  him. 

It  is  not  enough  to  say  of  this  affectionate  spir- 
it that  it  formed  a  prominent  feature  in  his  char- 
acter :  it  was  rather  the  life-blood  that  animated 
the  whole  system.  He  seemed,  as  one  of  his. 
friends  observed,  to  be  baptized  in  it.  It  was 
holy  love  that  gave  the  tone  of  his  general  de- 
portment :  as  a  son,  a  subject,  a  neighbour,  a 
Christian,  a  minister,  a  pastor,  a  friend,  a  hus- 
band, and  a  father,  he  was  manifestly  governed 
by  this  principle;  and  this  it  was  that  produced 
in  him  that  lovely  uniformity  of  character,  which 
constitutes  the  true  beauty  of  holiness* 

By  the  grace  of  God  he  was  what  he  was  ;  and 
to  the  honour  of  grace,  and  not  for  the  glory  of  a 
sinful  worm,  be  it  recorded.  Like  all  othermen, 
he  was  the  subject  of  a  depraved  nature.  He 
felt  it,  and  lamented  it,  and  longed  to  depart, 
that  he  might  be  freed  from  it  :  but  certainly  we 
have  seldom  seen  a  character,  taking  him  alto- 
gether,  "  whose  excellencies  were  so  many,  and 
so  uniform,  and  whose  imperfections  were  so 
few."  We  have  seen  men  rise  high  in  contem- 
plation, who  have  abounded  but  little  in  action— 
We  have  seen  zeal  mingled  with  bitterness,  and 
candour  degenerate  into  indifference  ;  experi- 
mental religion  mixed  with  a  large  portion  of  en- 
thusiasm, and  what  is  called  rational  religion  void 
of  every  thing  that  inteiests  the  heart  of  man—. 
We  have  seen  splendid  talents  tarnished  with  in- 
sufferable pride,  seriousness  with  melancholy, 
rfulness  with  levity,  and  great  attainment 
in  religion  with  uncharitable  c  ensoriousness  to- 
wards men  of  low  degree  :— but  we  have  not  seen 
;  things  in  our  bruther  Pearce, 
W2 


142  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATe 

There  have  been  few  men  in  whom  has  beeit 
united  a  greater  portion  of  the  contemplative  and 
the  active  ;  holy  zeal,  and  genuine  candour  ; 
spirituality,  and  rationality  ;  talents,  that  attract- 
ed almost  universal  applause,  and  the  most  un- 
affeeted  modesty,  faithfulness  in  bearing  testis 
roonv  against  evil,  with  the  tenderest  compas- 
sion to  the  soul  of  the  evil  doer;  fortitude  that 
Would  encounter  any  difficulty  in  the  way  of  duty, 
with  ojut  any thing  boisterous,  noisy,  or  over-bear- 
ing ;  deep  seriousness,  with  habilual  cheerfulness; 
and  a  constant  aim  to  promote  the  highest  de- 
grees of  piety  in  himself  and  others,  irith  a  readi- 
ness to  hope  the  best  of  the  lowest  ;  not  break- 
ing the  bruised  reed,  nor  quenching  the  smoking 
fiax* 

lie  loved  the  divine  character  as  revealed  in  the 
Scriptures. —  I  u  aoore  God,  to  contemplate  his 
glorious  perfections,  to  enjoy  his  favour,  and  to 
submit  to  his  disposal,  were  his  highest  delight, 
41 1  felt,"  says  he,  when  i  ontemplating  the  hard- 
ships of  a  missionary  life,  "  that  were  the  uni- 
veise  destroyed,  and  1  the  only  being  in  it  be- 
sides d-d,  he  is  fully  adequate  to  my  complete 
happ  ness;  and  had  1  been  in  an  African  wood, 
surrounded  with. venomous  serpents,  devouring 
beasts,  arid  savage  men  ;  in  such  a  frame,  I 
should  be  the  subject  of  perfect  peace,  and  ex- 
alted joy.  Yes,  O  my  God  !  thou  hast  taught 
me  that  thou  alone  art  worthy  of  my  confi- 
dent e  ;  and,  with  this  sentiment  fixed  in  my 
heart,  1  am  freed  from  a.l  solicitude  about  my 
temporal  concerns.  If  thy  presence  he  enjoyed, 
poverty  shall  be  riches,  darkness  light,  afflution 
prosperity,  reproach  my  honour,  ana  fatigue  my 
rest  !" 

He  loved  the  gospel  —The  truths  which  he  be- 
lieve,; and  taught,  dwelt  richly  in  him,  in  all  wis- 
.doni  and  spuiiual  understanding.     The  reader 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  143 

will  recollect  howhewentovcr  the  great  principles 
of  Christianity,  examining  the  grounds  on  which 
he  rested,  in  the  first  of  those  days  which  he  de- 
voted to  solemn  fasting  and  prayer  in  reference 
to  his  becoming  a  missionary  ;  •  and  with  what  ar- 
dent affection  he  set  his  seal  anew  to  every  part 
of  divine  truth  as  he  went  along. 

If  salvation  had  been  of  works,  few  men,  ac- 
cording to  oui  way  of  estimating  characters,  had 
a  fairer  claim  :  but,  as  he  himself  has  related,  he 
could  not  meet  the  king  of  terrors  in  this  armour. f 
So  far  was  he  from  placing  anv  dependence  on 
his  own  works,  that  the  more  he  did  for  God, 
the  iess  lie  thought  of  it  in  such  a  way.  "  All 
the  satisfaction  i  wish  for  here,"  says  he,  "  is  to 
be  doing  my  heavenly  Father's  wiiJ.  I  hope  I 
have  found  it  my  meat  and  diink  to  do  his  work  ; 
and  can  set  to  my  seal,  that  the  purest  pleasures 
/jf  human  life  spring  from  lire  humble  obedience 
of  faith.  It  is  a  good  saving,  '  We  cannot  do  too 
much  for  God,  nor  trust  in  what  we  do  too  little.' 
I  find  a  growing  conviction  of  the  necessity  of  a 
free  salvation.  The  more  I  do  for  God  the  iess 
1  tti  ink  of  it  ;  and  am  progressively  ashamed  that 
1  do  no  mo!t\" 

Christ  crucified  was  his  darling  theme,  from 
first  to  last.  1  h  s  was  the  subject  on  which  he 
dwelt  on  the  outset  of  his  ministry  among  the 
ford  colliers,  when,  "He  could  scarcely 
speak  foi  weeping,  nor  they  hear  for  interrupt- 
ing sighs  and  sobs  ;"  this  was  the  burden  of  the 
Soni;,  when  ar dressing  the  more  polished  and 
crouded  audiences  at  Biimingham,  London,  and 
Dubun  ;  this  was  the  grand  motive  exhibited  in 
seimons  for  the  promotion  of  public  charities  ; 
and  this  was  the  rock  on  winch  lie  lested  all  his 
hopes*  in  the  prospect  of  death.  It  is  true,  as 
iave  seen,  he   was  shaken  for  a  time  by   the 

ice  Chap.  II.  p,  46.         t  Chap.  I.  p.  18. 


f  4-£  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

writings  of  a  Whitby,  and  of  a  Priestly  :  but 
this  transient  hesitation,  bv  the  over  ruling  grace 
of  God,  tended  only  to  establsh  him  more  riim- 
ly  in  the  end.  "Blessed  be  his  dear  name,'' 
says  he  under  his  last  affliction,  iC  who  shed  his 
blood  for  me.  He  helps  me  to  rejoice  at  times 
with  joy  unspeakable.  Now.  I  see  the  value  of 
the  religion  of  the  cross.  It  is  a  religion  for  a  dy- 
ing sinner.  It  is  all  the  most  guilty,  and  the 
most  wretched  can  desire.  Yes,  I  taste  its  sweet- 
ness, and  enjoy  its  fuiness,  with  all  the  gloom  of 
a  dying  bed  before  me  ;  and  far  rather  wrould  I 
be  the  poor  emaciated  and  emaciating  creature 
that  I  am,  than  be  an  emperor  with  every  earthly 
good  about  him,  but  without  a  God." 

Notwithstanding    this,  however,  there    were 
those    in    Birmingham,  and    other    places,  w7ho 
would  not  allow  that  he  preached  the  gospel.     And 
if  by  the  gospel  were   meant  the  doctrine    taught 
bv  Mi .  Huntington,  Mr. Bradford,  and  others  who 
follow  haid  afiei  them,  it  must  be  granted  he  did 
not.     If  the  fall  and  depravity  of  man  operate  to 
destroy  his  atcountableness  to  his  Creator  ;  if  his 
inability  toobev  the  law,  or  comply  with  the  gos- 
pel, be  of  such  a  nature  as  to  exc  use  him  in  the 
neglect  of  either  ;  or  if  not,   yet  if  Christ's  com- 
ing under  the  law,  frees  believers    from  all  obli- 
gation to  obev  its  precepts ;  if  gospel  invitations 
are  addressed  only  to  the  regenerate  ;  if  the  illu- 
minating influences  of  the  Holy  Sphit  consist  in 
revealing  to  us  the  secret  purposes  of  God   con- 
cerning us,  or  impressing  us  with  the  idea  that  we 
are  the  favourites  of  Heaven;  if  believing  such  im- 
pressions be  Christian  faith,  and  doubting  of  their 
vabditv  unbelief;  if  there  be  no  such  thing  as  pro- 
gressive sanctification  nor  any  sanctification  inhe- 
lent,  except  that  of  the  illumination  before  des- 
cribed ;  if  wicked  men  are  not   oblige  d  to  do  c.ny 
thing  beyond  what  they  can  find  in  their  hearts  to 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE,  14a 

do,norgood  men  to  be  holy  beyond  what  they  act- 
uallv  are  ;  and  if  these  things  constitute  the  gos- 
pel, Mr.  Pearce  certainly  did  not  preach  it — But 
if  man,  whatever  be  Ws  depravity,  be  necessa- 
rily a  free  agent,  and  accountable  for  all  his  dis- 
positions and  actions  ;  if  gospel  invitations  be  ad- 
dressed to  men  not  as  elect,  nor  as  non-elect  ; 
but  as  sinners  exposed  to  the  righteous  displeas- 
ure of  God  ;  if  Christ's  obedience  aod  death 
rather  increase,  than  diminish  our  obligations  to 
love  God  and  one  another  ;  if  faith  in  Christ  be 
a  falling  in  with  God's  way  of  salvation,  and  un- 
belief a  falling  out  with  it  3  if  sancrification  be  a 
progressive  work,  and  so  essential  a  branch  of 
our  salvation,  as  that  without  it  no  man  shall  see 
the  Lord  ;  if  the  Holy  Spit  it  instruct  us  in  noth- 
ing by  his  illuminating  influences  but  what  was 
already  revealed  in  the  scriptures,  and  which  we 
should  have  perceived  but  for  that  we  loved  dark- 
ness rather  than  light;  and  if  he  inclines  us  to 
nothing  but  what  was  antecedently  right,  or  & 
such  a  spirit  as  every  intelligent  creature  ought  ci. 
all  times  to  have  possessed — then  Mr,  Pearce  did 
preach  the  gospel  ;  and  that  which  his  accusers 
call  by  this  name  is  another  gospel,  and  not  the 
gospel  of  Christ. 

Moreover,  If  the  doctrine  taught  bv  Mr, 
Pearce  be  not  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  thtfC 
which  is  taught  bv  the  above  writers. and  tteir 
adherents  be,  it  may  be  expected  that  the  effects 
produced  will  in  some  degree  correspond  with 
this  repiesentation.  And  is  it  evident  to  ail  men 
who  are  acquainted  with  both,  and  who  judge 
impartially,  that  the  doctrine  taught  by  Mr. 
Pearce  is  productive  of  haired,  variance,  emula- 
tions, wrath,  strife,  railings,  evil  surmisings, 
and  perverse  disputing s  ;  that  it  renders  those 
who  embrace  it  lovers  oj  their  own  selves,  covetous, 
proud,  Jalse  accusers,  fierce,  despisen 


146  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

6f  those  that  are  good  ;  while  that  of  his  adverse 
ries  promotes  love,  joy,  peace,  long-suffering,  gen- 
tleness, goodness,  faith,  meekness  and  temper- 
ance f  .  .  .  .  WHY  EVEN  OF  YOURSELVES  JUDGE 
YE  NOT  VVHAT  IS  RIGHT  ?  ....  YE  SHALL  KNOW 
THEM  BY  THEIR  FRUITS. 

Mr.  Pearce's  ideas  of  preaching  human  obliga- 
tion, may  be  seen  in  the  following  extract  from  a 
letter,  addressed  to  a  young  minister  who  was 
sent  out  of  the  church  of  which  he  was  pastor. 
*'You  request  my  thoughts  how  a  minister  should 
preach  human  obligation.  I  would  reply,  do  it 
extensively,  do  it  constantly  ;  but  withal,  do  it 
affectionately,  and  evangelically.  I  think,  con- 
sidering the  general  character  of  our  hearers,  and 
the  stale  of  their  mental  improvement,  it  would 
be  time  lost  to  argue  much  from  the  data  of  nat- 
ural religion.  The  best  way  is,  perhaps,  to 
express  duties  in  Scripture  language,  and  enforce 
them  by  evangelical  motives  ;  as,  the  example  of 
Christ — the  ends  of  his  sufFerhig  a;iu  death — tl^e 
consciousness  of  his  approbation — the  assistance 
he  has  promised — the  influence  of  a  holy  conver- 
sation on  God's  people,  and  on  the  people  of  the 
world — the  small  returns  we  at  best  can  make  for 
the  love  of  Jesus — and  the  hope  of  eternal  holi- 
ness. These  form  a  body  of  arguments,  which 
the  most  simple  may  understand,  ami  the  most 
dull  may  fee!.  Yet  1  would  not  neglect  on  some 
occasions  to  shew  the-  obligation  of  man  to  love 
his  Cieator — the  reasonableness  of  the  divine 
law— and  the  natural  tendency  of  its  commands 
to  promote  our  own  comfort,  the  good  of  society, 
and  the  glory  of  God.  These  will  serve  to  Ulit- 
minute,  but,  after  ail,  it  is  the  gospel  of  the  grace 
oj  God  that  will  most  effectually  animate,  and 
impel  to  action." 

Mr.  Pearce's  affection  to  the  doctrine  of  the 
prcss  was  not  merely  nor  principally  on  account 


I 

MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE,  147 

:.  being  a  system  which  secured  his  own  safety 
Had  tins  been  the  case,  he  might,  like  others! 
tvhose  rehg.on  originates  and  terminates  in  seifl 
love,  have  been  delighted  with  the  idea  of    the 
grace  of  the  Son,  but  it  would   have  been  at  the 
expense  of  ail  complacency  in  the  righteous  gov- 
ernment of  the  Father:      He  might  have  admired 
Something  which   he  accounted   the  gospel,  as 
saving  him  from  misery  ;  but  he  could  have  dis- 
cerned no  I  veliness  in  the  d.vme  law  as  being; 
holy,  just    and   good,   nor   in    the   mediation    of 
Uirut  as  doing  honour  to  it.      |  hat  which  in  his 
^constituted  the  glory  ol  the  gospel  was,  that 
God  ,s    herein  revealed  as  the  just  lod«nd   the 
^rv„:ur-;ust,   and  the  justly  ^  him   that  be. 
iievttti  m  Jesus, 

He  was  a  (over  of  good  ,nen.—He  waS  never 
more  in  his  element  than  when  joining  with  them 
in ■  sp,r.tual  conversation,  pra>er and  praise.  H?s 
heart  was  tenderly  attached  to  the  people  of  h, 
charge  ;  and  it  was  one  of  the  bitterest  inured  - 

cuToff  f,S  CMPdUriR?  hiS  '<>«*  Action,  * be 
cut  off  from  their  society.     When  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  Plymouth,  he  thus  writes  to   fir 
Kng    one  0fthe   deacons-- Give  my  love  to 

Jiict,  would  give  me  patience  to  endure.  Indeed 
fee  state  of  suspense  in  which  I  have  been  kepc 
*o  long,  requires  much  of  it;  and  I  often  exclaim 
ere  I  am  aware,  O  my  dear  people  !  O  my  £ 
fcmily,  when  shall  I  return  to  you  again  "»  He 
conscentiously  dissented  from  theS  Church  of 
England  and  from  every  other  national  establisS- 
y     ;,rel!S'on'  as  '"consistent   with  what  he 

fcSSWS  SC;iptUrai   aCCOunt   of  the  "Xure  of 
t         S  kmg.dom  :  nor  was  he  less  conscientious 
w   his  rejection  of  infant  baptism,  considering  it 
*»  having  no  foundation  in  the  holv  Si  rip  "fes 
«d  as  tending  to  confound  the  chu  ch  L  "5 


148  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  t,ATE 

world  ;  vet  he  embr  (  d  with  brotherly  affectiou 
great  numbers  of  godly  men  both  in  and  cut  of 
the  establishment.  His  spirit  was  truly  catholic  $ 
he  ioved  all  who  loved  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in 
sinceiity.  "  Let  us  pray,"  saiu  he  in  a  letter  to 
a  rmnd.  "for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem  :  they 
shall  prosper  who  love — not  this  part,  or  the  oth- 
love — HfeR — that  is,  the  whole  body 
of  Christ" 

He  bare  good  will  to  all  mankind. — It  was  f/om 
this  principle  that  he  so  ardently  desired  to  go  and 
preach  the  gospel  to  the  heathen.     And  even  un- 
der lus   long   affliction,  when  at  times  he   enter- 
tained  hopes  of  recovery,  he    would  say,  "My 
sou]   pants  foi    usefulness  more   extensive   than 
evei  :  I  long  to  become  an  apostle  to  the  world  Y* 
i  he  errors  and  tins  of  men  wrought  much  in  him 
in  a  way  of  pity .     He  knew  that  they  were  cul- 
pable in  the  sight  of  God  :  but  he  knew  also  that 
he  himself  was  a  sinner,  and  felt  that  they  were 
entitled  to  his  compassion.     His  zeal  for  the  di- 
vinity and   atonement  of  his   Saviour,  never  ap- 
pealed to  have  operated   in  a  way  of  unchristian; 
bitterness  against  those  who  rejected  these  im- 
portant doctrines :  and  though  he  was  shamefully!1 
traduced  by  professors  of  another  description  as 
a  mere  legal  preacher,  and  his  ministry  held  up 
as  affording  no  food  for  the  souls  of  believers,  and 
could  not  but  feel  the  injury  of  such  misrepresen- 
tations :  yet  he  does  not  appear  to  have  cherish- 
ed unchristian    resentn*ent  ;  but  would   at  any 
time  have   laid   himself  out  for  the  good  of  his 
worst  enemies.     It   wras  his  constant  endeavour 
to  promote  as  good   an   understanding  between 
the  different  congregations  in  the  town  as  the  nat- 
ure of  their  different  religious  sentiments  would 
admit.     The  cruel  bitterness  of  many  people  a- 
gainst  Dr.  Priestly  and  his  friends,  at  and   after 
the  Birmingham  riots,  was  affecting  to  his  mind. 


i 


MR.  SAMUEL   PEA&CE.  149 

.Such  methods  of  opposing  error  he  abhorred. 
His  regard  to  mankind  made  him  lament  the 
consequences  of  war:  but  while  he  wished  and 
prayed  for  peace  to  the  nations,  and  especially 
to  his  native  country,  he  had  no  idea  of  turbu- 
Jently  contending  for  it.  Though  friendly  to 
civil  and  religious  liberty,  he  stood  aloof  from 
the  lire  of  political  contention.  In  an  excellent 
Circular  Letter  to  the  churches  of  the  Midland 
Association  in  1794,  of  which  he  was  the  writer, 
he  thus  expresses  himself — "  Have  as  little  as 
possible  to  do  with  the  world.  Meddle  not  with 
political  controversies.  An  inordinate  pursuit  of 
these, we  are  sorry  to  observe,  has  been  as  a  canker- 
worm  at  the  root  of  vital  piety;  and  caused  the 
love  of  many,  formerly  zealous  professors  to  wax 
cold.  The  Lord  reigneth  ;  it  is  our  place  to  re- 
joice in  his  government,  and  quietly  wait  for  the 
salvation  ot  God.  The  establishment  of  his 
kingdom  will  be  the  ultimate  end  of  all  those  na- 
tional commotions  which  terrify  the  earth.  The 
wrath  of  man  shall  praise  him,  and  the  remaind- 
er of  wrath  he  will  restrain."  If  he  could  write 
in  this  manner  in  1794,  his  seeing  a  hopeful  un- 
dertaking, in  which  he  had  taken  a  more  thaa 
common  interest,  blasted  by  this  species  of  folly 
in  1796,  vvould  not  lessen  his  aversion  to  it* 
From  this  time  more  than  ever,  he  turned  his 
whole  attention  to  the  promoting  of  the  kingdom 
of  Christ,  cherishing  and  recommending  a  spir- 
it of  contentment  and  gratitude  for  the  civil  and 
religious  advantages  that  we  enjoyed.  Such  were 
the  sentiments  inculcated  in  the  last  sermon  that 
he  printed,  and  the  last  but  one  that  he  preach- 
ed, f     His  dear   young  friends  who    are  gone  to 

lnd  a  will  never  forget  how  earnestly  he  <  barged 

..  ■  ■■  ,  .  i  ■■  . .    ^ 

*  See  Periodical  Accounts  of  the  Baptist  Mission, 

Vol.  I.  p.  257.  f  See  page  113.  Note. 

o 


1  50  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

them  by  letter,  when  confined  at  Plymouth,  to 
conduct  themselves  in  all  civil  matters  as  peace- 
able and  obedient  subjects  to  the  government 
under  which  they  lived,  in  whatever  country  it 
might  be  their  lot  to  reside. 

It  was  Uve  that  tempered  his  faithfulness 
with  so  large  a  portion  of  tender  concern  for  the 
good  of  those  whose  conduct  he  was  obliged  to  cen- 
sure.— He  could  not  bear  them  that  were  evilf 
but  would  set  himself  against  them  with  the 
greatest  firmness  :  yet  it  were  easy  to  discover 
the  pain  of  mind  with  which  this  necessary  part 
of  duty  was  discharged.  It  is  well  remembered 
how  he  conducted  himself  towards  certain  preach- 
ers in  the  neighbourhood,  who,  wandering  from 
pla<e  to  place,  corrupted  and  embioiled  the 
churches  ;  whose  conduct  he  knew  to  be  as  dis- 
honourable as  their  principles  were  loose  and 
unscriptural  :  and  when  requested  to  recite  par- 
ticulars in  his  own  defence,  his  fear  and  tender- 
ness for  character,  his  modest  reluctance  to  ac- 
cuse persons  older  than  himself,  and  his  deep 
concern  that  men  engaged  in  the  Christian  min- 
istry, should  render  such  accusations  necessary, 
were  each  conspicuous,  and  proved  to  ali  present, 
that  the  work  of  an  accuser  was  to  him  a  strange 
work. 

It  was  love  that  expanded  his  heart,  and  prompt- 
ed him  to  labour  in  season  and  out  of  season  for 
the  salvation  of  sinners.  This  was  the  spring  of  that 
constant  stream  of  activity  by  which  his  life  was 
distinguished.  His  conscience  would  not  suffer 
him  to  decline  what  appeared  to  be  right.  "  I 
dare  not  refuse,  he  would  say,  lest  I  should 
shrink  from  duty.  Unjustifiable  ease  is  worse 
than  the  mostdifficult  labours  to  which  duty  calls. H 
To  persons  who  never  entered  into  his  views  and 
feelings,  some  parts  of  his  conduct,  especially 
those  which  relate  to  his  desire  of  quitting  his 


MR.    SAMUEL    PEARCE.  15i 

feountry  that  he  might  preach  the  gospel  to  the 
heathen,  will  appear  extravagant  :  but  no  man 
could  wkh  greater  propriety  have  adopted  the 
language  of  the  apostle,  Whether*  we  be  beside  our- 
selves, it  is  to  God  ;  or  whether  we  be  sober,  it  is 
for  your  cause  ;  for  the  love  of  Christ  constraineth 
us. 

He  was  frequently  told  that  his  exercises  were 
too  great  for  his  strength  :  but  such  was  the  ar- 
dour of  his  heart.  "  He  could  not  die  in  a  bet- 
ter work."  When  he  went  up  into  the  pulpit  to 
deliver  his  last  sermon,  he  thought  he  should  not 
have  been  able  to  get  through  ;  but  when  he  got 
a  little  warm,  he  felt  re'ieved,  and  forgot  his  in- 
disposition, preaching  with  equal  fervour  and 
freedom  as  when  in  perfect  health.  While  he 
was  laid  aside,  he  could  not  forbear  hoping  that 
he  should  some  time  resume  his  delightful  work  • 
and  knowing  the,  strength  of  his  feelings  to  be 
such  that  it  would  be  unsafe  to  trust  himself,  he 
proposed  for  a  time  to  write  his  discourses,  that 
Lis  mind  might  not  be  at  liberty  to  over-do  his 
debilitated  frame. 

All  his  counsels,  cautions,  and  reproofs,  ap- 
pear to  have  been  the  effect  of  love, — It  was  a  rule 
dictated  by  his  heart,  no  less  than  by  his  judg- 
ment, to  discourage  all  evil  speaking  :  nor  would 
he  approve  of  just  censure  unless  some  good  and 
necessary  end  were  to  be  answered  by  it.  Two 
of  his  distant  friends  being  at  his  house  together, 
one  of  them,  during  the  absence  of  the  other, 
suggested  something  to  his  disadvantage.  He 
put  a  stop  to  the  conversation  by  answering,  "  He 
is  here,  take  him  aside,  and  tell  him  of  it  by 
himself:  you  may  do  him  good." 

If  he  perceived  any  of  his  acquaintance  bewil- 
dered in  fruitless  speculations,  he  would  in  an 
affectionate  manner  endeavour  to  draw  off  their 
attention  from  these  mazes  of  confusion  to  the 


152  MEMOIRS  OF  THE    LATE 

simple  doctrine  of  the  cross.  A  specimen  of  this 
kind  of  treatment  will  be  seen  in  the  letter,  No. 
I.  towards  the  close  of  this  chapter. 

He  was  affectionate  to  all,  but  especially  to- 
wards the  rising  generation.  The  youth  of  his 
own  congregation,  of  London,  and  of  Dublin, 
have  not  forgot  his  melting  discourses  which  were 
particularly  addressed  to  them.  He  took  much 
delight  in  speaking  to  the  children,  and  would 
adapt  himself  to  their  capacities,  and  expostulate 
with  them  on  the  things  which  belonged  to  their 
everlasting  peace.  While  at  Plymouth  he  wrote 
thus  to  one  cfhis  friends*  "Q  how  should  I  re- 
j,  :ce  were  there  a  speedy  prospect  of  my  return- 
ng  to  my  great  and  little  congregations. "  Nor 
was  it  by  preaching  only  that*he  sought  their  e- 
fernal  welfare  :  Several  of  his  letters  are  address- 
ed to  young  persons.  See  No.  II.  and  III.  to- 
wards the  close  of  this  chapter. 

With  what  joy  did  he  congratulate  one  of  his 
most  intimate  friends,  on  hearing  that  three  of 
the  younger  branches  of  his  family  had  appar- 
ently been  brought  to  take  the  Redeemer's  yoke 
upon  them.  "  Thanks,  thanks,  thanks  be  to 
God,  said  he,  "  for  the  enrapturing  prospects 
before  you  as  a  father,  as  a  Christian  father  es- 
pecially. What,  three  of  a  family  !  and  these 
at  once  !  Othe  heights,  and  depths,  and  lengths, 
and  breadths  of  his  unfathomable  grace.  My 
soul  feels  joy  unspeakable  at  the  blessed  news. 
Three  immortal  souls  secured  for  eternal  life  I 
Three  rational  spirits  preparing  to  grace  Imman- 
UePs  triumphs,  and  sing  his  praise  1  Three  ex- 
amples of  virtue  and  goodness  j  exhibiting  the 
genuine  influences  of  the  true  religion  of  Jesus 
before  the  world — Perhaps  three  mothers  train- 
ing up  to  lead  three  future  families  in  the  wav  fo 
heaven.  Oh  what  a  train  of  blessings  do  I  see 
in  this  event !  Most  sincerely  do  I  participate 


MR.    SAMUEL  PEARCE,  153 

with  my  dear  friend,  in  his  pleasures  and  in  his 
gratitude." 

Towards  the  close  of  life,  writing  to  the  same 
friend,  he  thus  concludes  his  letter — "  Present 
our  love  to  dear  Mrs.  S and  the  family,  es- 
pecially those  whose  hearts  are  engaged  to  seek 
the  Lord  and  his  goodness.  O  tell  them  they 
will  find  him  good  all  their  lives,  supremely  good 
on  dying  beds,  but  best  of  all  in  glory." 

In  his  visits  to  the  sick  he  was  singularly  use- 
ful. His  svmpathetic  conversation,  affectionate 
prayers,  and  endearing  manner  of  recommend- 
ing to  them  a  compassionate  Saviour,  frequently 
operated  as  a  cordial  to  their  troubled  hearts.  A 
young  man  of  his  congregation  was  dangerously 
ill.  His  father  living  at  a  distance,  was  anxious 
to  hear  from  him  ;  and  Mr.  Pearce,  in  a  Jetter 
to  the  minister  on  whose  preaching  the  father  at- 
tended, wrote  as  follows — "  i  feel  for  the  anxiety 

of  Mr.   V ,  and  am   happy    in  being  at   this 

time  a  Barnabas  to  him.  I  was  not  seriously  a- 
larmcd  for  his  son  till  last  Tuesday,  when  I  ex- 
pected from  every  symptom,  and  the  language  of 
his  apotf:e<  arv,  that  he  was  nigh  unto  death.  But 
to  our  astonishment  and  joy,  a  surprising  change 
has  since  taken  place.  1  saw  him  yesterday  ap- 
parently in  a  fair  way  for  recovery.  His  mind, 
tor  the  first  part  of  his  illness,  was  sometimes 
joyful,  and  almost  constantly  calm  ;  but  when  at 
the  woist,  suspicions  crowded  his  mind  ;  he  fear- 
ed he  had  beentan  hypocrite.  I  talked  and  pray- 
ed and  wept  with  him.  One  scene  was  very  affect- 
ing ;  both  lie  and  his  wife  appeared  like  persons 
iiewlyawakened.  They  nevei  felt  so  strongly  the 
importance  of  religion  before.  He  con  veistd  about 
the  tenderness  of  Jesus  to  broken-hearted  sinners  j 
anu  whilst  we  sp  ke,  it  seemed  as  though,  he  came 
and  began  to  heal  the  wound.  Itdid  megood,  and 
1  trust  not  unavailing  to th-ero,  1  hey  have  since  beea 
o   2 


1^4  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LAT£- 

for  the  most  part  happy  ;  and  a  very  pleasant  la- 
ter view  I  had  with  them  on  the  past  day."    » 

Every  man  must  have  his  seasons  of  relaxation. 
In  his  earlier  years  he  would  take  strong  bodily 
exercise.  Of  late,  he  occasionally  employed 
himself  with  the  microscope,  and  in  making  a 
few  philosophical  experiments.  "  We  will  a* 
muse  ourselves  with  philosophy,"  said  he  to  a 
philosophical  friend,  "  but  Jesus  shall  be  our 
teacher."  In  ail  these  exercises  he  seems  never 
to  have  lost  sight  of  God  ;  but  would  be  discov- 
ering something  in  his  works  that  should  furnish 
matter  for  praise  and  admiration.  His  mind  did 
not  appear  to  have  been  unfitted,  but  rather  as- 
sisted, by  such  pursuits  for  the  discharge  of  the 
more  spiritual  exercises,  into  which  he  would 
fall  at  a  proper  season,  as  into  his  native  element. 
If  in  company  with  friends,  and  the  conversation 
turned  upon  the  works  of  nature,  or  art,  or  any 
other  subject  of  science,  he  would  cheerfully  take 
a  part  in  it,  and  when  occasion  required,  by  some 
easy  and  pleasant  transition,  direct  it  into  another 
channel.  An  ingenious  friend  once  shewed  him 
a  model  of  a  machine  which  he  thought  of  con- 
structing, and  by  which  he  hoped  to  be  able  to 
produce  a  perpetual  motion.  Mr.  Pearee  having 
patiently  inspected  it,  discovered  where  the  op- 
eration would  stop,  and  pointed  it  out.  His 
friend  wasconvinced,  and  felt,  as  may  be  supposed, 
rather  unpleasant  at  Ins  disappointment.  He  con- 
soled him  ;  and  a  prayer  meeting  being  at  hand, 
said  to  this  effect.  "  We  may  learn  from  hence 
our  own  insufficiency,  and  the  glory  of  that  Being, 
who  is  wonderful  in  counsel^  and  excellent  inwork- 
ing  :  let  us  go  and  worship  Him." 

His  mild  and  gentle  disposition,  not  apt  to 
give  or  take  offence,  often  won  upon  persons  ia 
matters  wherein  at  first  they  have  shewn  them- 
selves averse.  When  collecting  for  the  Baptist 
mission,  a  gentleman  who  had  no  knowledge  of 


MR.  SAMtfKL  PEARCE..  \SB. 

hirn,  or  of  the  conductors  of  that  undertaking, 
made  some  objections,  on  the  ground  that  the 
Baptists  had  little  or  nothing  to  say  to  the  uncon- 
verted. This  objection  Mr.  Pearce  attempted  to 
remove,  by  alleging  that  the  parties  concerned 
in  this  business  were  entirely  of  anolhei  mind.  I 
am  glad  to  hear  it,  said  the  gentleman,  but  I  have 
my  Tears.  Then  pray,  sir,  said  Mr.  Pearce,  do 
not  give  till  you  aie  satisfied.  Why  1  assure  you,. 
replied  the  other,  I  think  the  Methodists  more 
likely  to  succeed  than  you  ;  and  should  feel  more 
pleasure  in  giving  them  ten  guineas  than  you  one. 
If  you  give  them  twenty  guineas,  sir,  said  Mr. 
Pearce,  we  shall  rejoice  in  their  success  ;  and  if 
you  give  us  one,  I  hope  it  will  not  be  misapplied. 
The  gentleman  smiled,  and  gave  him  four. 

Hisriguieto  a  superficial  observer  would  at 
first  sight  convey  notning  very  interesting;  but 
on  close  inspection,  his  countenance  wouid  be 
acknowledged  to  be  a  faithful  index  to  his  souh 
Calm,  placid,  and,  when  in  the  pulpit  especially, 
full  of  animation,  his  appearance  was  not  a  lit- 
tle expressive  of  the  interest  he  felt  in  the  eter- 
nal weifaie  of  his  audience;  his  eyes  beaming 
benignity,  and  speaking  in  the  most  impressive 
language  his  willingness  to  impart,  not  only  the 
gospel cj  God,  but  his  own  soul  also, 

tits  imagination  was  vivid,  and  his  judgment 
clear  ;  he  relished  U<.e  elegancies  of  science,  and 
felt  alive  to  the  most  delicate  and  refined  senti- 
ments ;  yet  these  were  things  on  account  of 
which  he  does  not  appear  to  have  valued  him- 
self, iiiey  were  rather  his  amusements  than  his 
employ  ip'    t. 

IT  is  address  was  easy  and  insinuating  ;  his 
voice  pleasant,  but  sometimes  overstrained  in  the 
course  u[  Lib  sermon  ;  his  language  chaste,  flow- 
ing, and  inclining  to  the  ilond  :  this  last,  how- 
ever abated,  as  his  judgment  ripened.     His  de=* 


15$'  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE' 

livery  was  rather  slow  than  rapid  ;  his  attitude 
graceful,  and  his  countenance  in  almost  all  his 
discourses  approaching  to  an  affectionate  smiie. 
He  never  appears,  however,  to  have  studied 
what  are  called  the  graces  of  pulpit  action  :  or, 
whatever  he  had  read  concerning  them,  it  was 
manifest  that  he  thought  nothing  of  them,  or  of 
any  other  of  the  ornaments  of  speech  at  the  time. 
Both  his  action  and  language  were  the  genuine 
expressions  of  an  ardent  mind,  affected,  and 
sometimes  deeply,  with  his  subject.  Being  rath- 
er be'ow  the  common  stature,  and  disregarding, 
or  rather,  I  might  say,  disappioving  every  thing 
pompous  in  his  appearance,  he  has  on  some  oc- 
casions been  prejudged  to  his  disadvantage  :  but 
the  song  of  the  nightingale  is  not  the  less  melo- 
dious for  bis  not  appealing  in  a  gaudy  plumage. 
His  manner  of  pieparuig  tor  the  pulpit   nay  be 

seen  in  a  letter  addressed  to  Mr.  C ofZ , 

who  was  absent  out  of  bis  church;  and  which 
may  be  of  use  to  others  in  a  similar  situation.  See 
No.  IV.  towards  the  close  of  this  chapter. 

H.s  ministry  was  highly  acceptable  to  persons 
of  education  :  but  he  appears  to  have  been  most 
in  his  element  when  preaching  to  the  poor.  The 
feelings  which  he  himself  expresses  when  in- 
Structing  the  colliers,  appear  to  have  continued 
with  him  through  life.  It  was  his  delight  to  carry 
the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  into  the  villages  where- 
ever  he  could  find  access  and  opportunity.  And 
as  he  sought  the  good  of  their  souls,  so  he  bo:h 
laboured  and  Suffered  to  relieve  their  temporal 
warns  ;  living  himself  in  a  style  of  frugality  and 
self-denial,  that  he  might  have  whereof  to  give 
to  them  that  needed. 

Finally,  He  possessed  a  large  portion  of  real 
happiness — There  are  few  characters  whose  en- 
joyments, both  natural  and  spiritual,  have  risen 
to  so  great  a  height.     He  dwelt  in  love  :  and  he 


*tH.  SAMUEL  PEARGE;  l£tf 

that  dwelleth  in  love  dwdleih  in  God,  and  God  in 
him.  Such  a  life  must  needs  be  happy.  If  his 
religion  had  originated  and  terminated  in  self- 
love,  as  some  contend  the  whole  of  religion  does, 
his  joys  had  been  not  only  of  a  different  nature, 
bilt  far  less  extensive  than  they  were.  His  in- 
ter si  was  bound  up  with  that  of  his  Lord  and 
Savour.  Its  afflictions  were  his  affliction,  and 
vs  his  joy.  The  grand  object  of  his  desire 
w  .  to  seek  the  good  of  God* s  chosen,  to  rejoice 
i)<  re  gladness  of  his  nation ,  and  to  glory  with 
his  inheritance.  "  What  pleasures  do  those  lose," 
lft  s  he,  "  who  have  no  interest  in  God's  gra- 
ci   \  s  and  holy  cause  !"* 

If  an  object  of  joy  presented  itself  to  his  mind, 
h<.  would  delight  in  multiplying  it  by  its  probable 
or  possible  consequences.  Thus  it  was,  as  we 
have  seen,  in  his  congratulating  his  friend  on  the 
conversion  of  three  of  his  children  ;  and  thus  it 
was  when  speaking  of  a  people  who  divided  into 
two  congregations,  not  fioro  discord,  but  from 
an  increase  of  numbers  ;  and  who  generously 
united  in  erecting  a  new  and  additional  place  of 
worship — "These  liberal  souls  are  subscribing, 5> 
said  he,  "  in  ordei  to  support  a  religion,  which, 
as  far  as  it  truly  prevails,  will  render  others  as 
libera]  as  themselves.5' 

His  heart  was  to  much  formed  for  social  en- 
joyment that  he  seems  to  have  contemplated  the 
heavenly  sidle  under  this  idea  with  peculiar  ad- 
vantage. This  was  the  leading  theme  of  a  dis- 
course from  Rev.  v.  9 12,  which  he  deliver- 
ed at  a  meeting  of  ministers  at  Arnsb-y,  April  18, 
1797  ;  and  of  which  his  brethren  retain  a  lively- 
remembrance.  On  this  pleasing  subject  he  dwells 
also  in  a  letter  to  his  dear  friend  Birt. — u  I  had 


*  See  the  Letter  to    Dr.  Ryland,  May  30,  1^96, 
page  65, 


J5S  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

much  pleasure  a  few  days  since,  in  meditating, 
on  the  affectionate  language  of  our  Lord  to  his  sor- 
rowful disciples  ;  1  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you. 
What  a  piemtude  of  consolation  do  these  words 
contain  ;  what  a  sweet  view  of  heaven  as  a  place 
of  society.  It  is  one  place  for  us  all  ;  that  place 
where  his  glorified  body  is,  there  all  his  follow, 
ers  shall  assemble,  to  part  no  more.  Where  He 
is,  there  we  shall  be  also.  Oh  blessed  anticipa- 
tion !  There  shall  be  Abel,  and  all  the  martyrs  ; 
Abraham,  and  all  the  patriarchs  ;  Isaiah,  and  all 
Ihe  prophets  ;  Paul  and  all  the  apostles  j  Gabriel, 
and  ail  the  angels  ;  and  above  all,  Jesus,  and  all 
his  ransomed  people  !  Oh  to  be  amongst  the 
number  !  i\ly  dear  brother  let  us  be  strong  in  the 
Lord.  Let  us  realize  the  bliss  before  us.  Let 
our  faith  bring  heaven  itself  near,  and  feast,  and 
live  upon  the  scene.  Oh  what  a  commanding  in- 
fluence would  it  have  upon  our  thoughts,  pas- 
sions, comforts,  sorrows,  words,  ministry,  pray- 
ers, praises,  and  conduct.  What  manner  of 
persons  should  we  be  in  all  holy  conversation  and 
godliness  !" 

In  many  persons,  the  pleasures  imparted  by 
religion  are  counteracted  by  a  gloomy  constitu- 
tion :  but  it  was  not  so  in  him.  In  his  disposi- 
tion they  met  with  a  friendly  soil.  Cheerfulness 
was  as  natural  to  him  as  breathing  ;  and  this  spir* 
it,  sanctified  by  the  grace  of  God,  gave  a  tine- 
ture  to  all  his  thoughts,  conversation,  and  preach* 
ing.  He  was  seldom  heard  without  tears  ;  but 
they  were  frequently  tears  of  pleasure.  No  lev- 
ity, no  attempts  at  wit,  no  aiming  to  excite  the 
risibility  of  an  audience,  ever  disgraced  his  ser- 
mons. Religion  in  him  was  habitual  seriousness, 
mingled  with  sacred  pleasure,  frequently  rising 
into  sublime  delight,  and  occasionally  overflow- 
ing with  transporting  joy. 


MR,  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  159 

LETTERS 

fiEFERRED  TO  IN  THIS  CHAPTER. 

NO.  I. 

To  a  young  man  whose  mind  he  perceived  was  be* 
wildered  with  fruitless  speculations. 

"  I  HE  conversation  we  had  our  wav  to  «— 
ID  far  interested  meinyoui  religious  feeling,  that  J 

find  it  impossible  to  satisfy  mv  mind,  till  I  have 
expressed  mv  ardent  wisnes  for  the  happv  termi- 
nation of  your  late  exen  ises,  and  contributed  my 
mire  to  the  promotion  of  your  jov  in  the  L«'id.  A 
disposition  mure  01  less  to  "  skeptiscism"  I  be- 
lieve is  common  to  oui  nature,  in  proportion  as 
opposite  systems  and  jarring  opinions,  each  sup- 
ported by  a  plausibility  of  argument.,  are  present- 
ed to  our  minds  :  and  with  some  quaiific  ation  I  ad- 
mit Robinson's  remark,  "That  he  who  never 
doubted  never  believed."  While  examining  the 
grounds  of  persuasion,  it  is  right  for  the  mind  to 
hesitate.  Opinions  ought  not  to  be  prejudged  any- 
more than  criminals.  Every  objection  ought  to 
have  its  weight ;  and  the  more  numerous  and  for- 
cible objections  are,  the  more  cause  shall  we  fi- 
nally have  for  the  triumph,  *  Magna  est  Veritas 
and  p!evaiebit;,  but  there  are  two  or  three  con- 
siderations, which  have  no  small  weight  with  me 
in  relation  to  religious  controversies. 

"The  first  is,  The  importance  of  truth.  It 
would  be  endless  to  wTrite  on  truth  in  general.  I 
confine  my  views  to  what  I  deem  the  leading 
truth  in  the  New  Testament. — The  atonement 
made  on  behalf-  of  sinners  by  the  Son  if  (rod  :  the 
doctrine  of  the  Cross  ;  Jesus  Christ  and  him  cru- 
cified.    It  surely  cannot  be  a  matter  of  small  con- 


160  MEMOIRS    OP  THE    LATE 

cern  whether  the  Creator  of  all  things,  out  of 
mere  love  to  rebellious  men,  exchanged  a  throne 
for  a  cross,  and  thereby  reconciled  a  ruined  world 
to  God.  If  this  be  not  true,  how  can  we  respect 
the  bible  as  an  inspired  book,  which  so  plainly 
attributes  our  salvation  to  the  grace  of  God, 
through  the  redemption  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  ? 
And  if  we  discard  the  bible,  what  can  we  do  with 
prophecies,  miracles,  and  all  the  power  of  evi- 
dence on  which,  as  on  adamantine  pillars,  its 
authority  abides  r  Surely  the  infidel  has  more  to 
reject  than  the  believer  to  embrace.  That  book, 
then,  which  we  receive,  not  as  the  word  of  man, 
but  as  the  word  of  God,  not  as  the  religion  of 
our  ancestors,  but  on  the  invincible  conviction 
which  attends  an  impartial  investigation  of  its 
evidences  ;  that  book  reveals  a  truth  of  the  high- 
est importance  to  man,  consonant  to  the  opin- 
ions of  the  earliest  ages,  and  the  most  enlighten- 
ed nations,  perfectly  consistent  with  the  Jewish 
economy,  as  to  its  spirit  and  design,  altogether 
adapted  to  unite  the  equitable  and  merciful  per- 
fections of  the  Deity  in  the  sinner's  salvation,  and 
above  all  things  calculated  to  beget  the  most  es- 
tablished peace,  to  inspire  with  the  liveliest  hope, 
and  to  engage  the  heart  and  life  in  habitual  cie- 
votedness  to  the  interest  of  morality  and  piety. 
Such  a  doctrine  I  cannot  but  venerate  ;  and  to 
the  Author  of  such  a  doctrine,  my  whole  soul 
labours  to  exhaust  itself  in  praise. 

*  Oh  the  sweet  wonders  of  the  Cross, 
Where  God  my  Saviour  loy'd  and  dy'd  I9 
Forgive,  my  friend,  forgive  the  transport  of  a 
soul  compelled  to  feel  where  it  attpmpts  only  to 
explore.  I  cannot  on  this  subject  control  my 
passions  by  the  laws  of  logic.  God  forbid  that  I 
should  glory y  save  in  the  cross  oj  Christ  Jesus  my 
Lord  / 

"  Secondly,  I    consider  man   as    a   deprived 
creature;  so  depraved,  that  his  judgment  is   as 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  161 

dark  as  bis  appetites  are  sensual  ;  wholly  depend- 
ent  therefore  on  God  for  religious  light,  as  well 
as  true  devotion  :  yet  such  a  dupe  to  pride,  as  to 
reject  every  thing,  which  the  narrow  limits  of 
1 1 is  comprehension  cannot  embrace  ;  and  such  a 
el  ive  to  his  passions,  as  to  admit  no  law  but  self- 
interest  for  his  government.  With  these  views 
of  human  nature,  1  am  persuaded  we  ought  to 
-suspect  our  own  decisions  whenever  they  oppose 
truths  too  sublime  for  our  understandings,  or  too 
pure  for  our  lusts.  'To  err'  on  this  side,  indeed, 
*  is  human  ;'  wherefore  the  wise  man  saith,  *  He 
that  trusteth  to  his  own  heart  is  a  fool,'  Should, 
therefore,  the  evidence  be  only  equal  on  the  side 
of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  I  should  think,  with 
.this  allowance,  we  should  do  well  to  admit  it. 

"Thirdly,  If  the  gospel  of  Christ  be  true,  it 
should  be  heartily  embraced.  We  should  yield 
ourselves  to  its  influence  without  reserve.  We 
must  come  to  a  point,  and  resolve  to  be  either 
infidel 5,  or  Christians.  To  know  the  power  of 
the  sun,  we  should  expose  ourselves  to  his  rays  ; 
to  know  the  sweetness  of  honey,  we  must  bring 
it  ;o  our  palates.  Speculations  will  not  do  in 
either  of  these  cases  ;  much  less  in  matters  of  re- 
ligion.    My  son,  saith  God.  give  me  Hunt  heart  ! 

u  Fourthly,  A  bumble  admission  of  the  hght 
we  already  have,  is  the  most  effectual  way  to  a 
full  conviction  of  the  truth  of  the  doctrine  of 
Christ.  If  any  man  will  do  his  will,  he  shall 
knew  oj  /us  doetrine  whether  it  be  oj  God.  If  we 
horfouu  God  as  iar  as  we  know  his  will,  he  will 
honoui  us  with  further  discoveries  of  it.  Tuus 
Shall  we  know,  if  we  follow  on  to  know  the  Lord  ; 
thus,thussbatl  you,  my  dearfnend,  become  assured 
thai  there  is  salvation  in  no  other  name  thaq  that 
of  Jesus  Christ  ;  and  thus  from  an  inwaid  expe- 
rience of  the  quickening  influences  of  his  Holy 
Spirit,  you  will  join  the  admiring  church,  and 
p 


162  MEMOIRS  OF  THF  LATE 

say  of  Jesus,  1  his  is  my  beloved,  this  is  my 
friend  ;  he  is  the  chieftst  among  ten  thousand, 
he  is  altogether  lovely. ■  Yes,  1  veuhope,  lex- 
pert  to  see  you  rejoicing  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  and  ap- 
pearing as  a  living  witness  that  he  is  faithful  who 
hath  said,  *  Seek  and  ye  shall  find  -f  ask  and  re- 
ceive, that  your  joy  may  be  full.' 

S.  P." 

00000000000 

In  another  letter  to  the  same  correspondent, 
after  congratulating  himself  that  he  had  discover- 
ed such  a  mode  of  killing  noxious  insects  as 
should  put  them  to  the  least  pain,  and  which  was 
characteristic  of  the  tenderness  of  his  heart,  he 
proceeds  as  follows  * — "  But  enough  of  nature  : 
how  is  my  brother  as  a  Christian  f  We  have  had 
son  e  interesting  moments  in  conversation  on  the 
methods  of  grace,  that  grace  whose  influence 
reaches  to  the  day  of  adversity,  and  the  hour  of 
death  ;  seasons  when,  of  every  thing  beside  it 
may  be  said,  Miserable  comforters  are  they  all  ! 
My  dear  trie  no,  we  will  amuse  ourselves  with 
philosophy,  but  Christ  shall  be  our  teacher  ; 
Christ  shah  be  our  glory  ;  Christ  shall  be  our 
portion.  Oh  that  we  may  be  enabled  *  to  com- 
prehend the  heights,  and  depths,  and  lengths, 
and  breadths,  and  to  know  the  love  of  Christ 
which  passeth  knowledge  !* 

Affectionately  yours, 

S.  P.3 


MR.  SAMUEL  FEARCE.  163 

NO.  IL 

"to  a  young  gentleman  of  his  acquaintance,  who 

was  then  studying  phi/sic  at  Edinburgh. 

u  DID  ray  dear   friend  P know  with 

what  sincere  affection,  and  serious  concern,  I 
almost  daily  think  of  him,  he  would  need  no 
other  evidence  of  (he  effect  which  his  last  visit, 
and  his  subsequent  letters  have  produced.  In- 
deed there  is  not  a  youjig  man  in  the  world,  in 
earlier  life  than  myself,  Tor  whose  universal  pros- 
perity I  am  so  deeply  interested.  Many  circum- 
stances I  can  trace,  on  a  review  of  the  past  four- 
teen years,  which  have  contributed  to  beget  and 
augment  affection  and  esteem  :  and  I  can  assure 
you  that  every  interview,  and  every  letter,  still 
tend  to  consolidate  my  regard. 

44  Happy  should  I  be,  if  my  ability  to  serve  you 
at  this  important  crisis  of  human  life  were  equal 
to  your  wishes,  or  my  own.  Your  situation  de- 
mands ail  the  aid,  which  the  wisdom  and  pru- 
dence of  your  friends  can  afford,  that  you  may 
be  directed  not  oniy  to  the  most  worthy  objects 
of  pursuit,  but  also  to  the  most  effectual  means 
for  obtaining  them.  In  your  professional  char- 
acter it  is  impossible  for  me  to  give  you  any  as- 
sistance. If  any  general  observations  I  can  make 
should  prove  at  ail  useful,  I  shall  be  richly  re- 
warded for  the  time  I  employ  in  their  communi- 
•cat.on. 

44  I  thank  vou  sincerely  for  the  freedom  where- 
with you  have  disclosed  toe  peculiarities  of  youp 
situation,  and  the  views  and  resolutions  where- 
with they  have  inspired  vou.  I  can  recommend 
nothing  better,  my  dear  friend,  than  a  determined 
adherence  io  the  purposes  you  have  already  form- 
ed, respecting  trie  intimacies  you  contract  and 
the  associates  you  choose.     In  such  a   piace  as 


164  MEMOIRS  OF  THE   LAT£ 

Edinburgh,  it  may  be  supposed,  no  description  of 
persons  will  be  wanting.  Some  so  notoriously 
vicious,  that  their  atrocity  of  character  will  have 
210  small  tendency  to  confirm  your  morals,  from 
the  odious  contrast  which  their  practices  present 
to  your  view.  Against  these,  theiefbre,  J  need 
not  caution  you.  You  will  flee  them  as  se  many 
serpents,  in  whose  breath  is  venom  and  destruc- 
tion. More  danger  may  be  apprehended  from 
those  mixed  characters,  who  biend  the  profession 
©f  philosophical  refinement  with  the  secret  in- 
dulgence of  those  sensual  gratifications,  which  at 
©me  exhaust  the  pocket,  destroy  the  health,  and 
debase  the  character. 

vt  That  morality  is  friendly  to  individual  hap- 
piness, and  to  social  order,  no  man,  who  res- 
pects his  own  conscience,  or  character,  will 
have  the  effrontery  to  deny.  Its  avenues  cannot 
therefore,  be  too  sacredly  guaroed,  nor  those 
principles  which  support  a  virtuous  practice  be 
C-oo  seriously  maintained.  But  morality  deiives, 
it  is  true,  its  best,  its  only  support,  from  the  prin- 
ciples of  religion.  6  Tne  fear  of  the  Lord  (said 
the  wise  man)  is  to  hate  evil.'  He,  therefore, 
who  endeavours  to  weaken  the  sanctions  of  reli- 
gion, to  induce  a  skeptical  habit,  to  detach  my 
thoughts  from  an  ever  present  God>  and  my  hopes 
from  a  futurity  of  holy  enjoyment,  he  is  a  worse 
enemy  than  the  man  that  meets  me  with  the  pistol 
and  the  dagger.  Should  my  dear  friend,  then, 
fall  into  the  company  of  those,  whose  friendship 
cannot  be  purchased  by  the  sacrifice  of  revelation 
I  hope  he  will  ever  think  such  a  price  too  great 
for  the  good  opinion  of  men  who  blaspheme  pi. 
etv,  and  dishonour  God.  Deism  is  indeed  the 
fashion  of  the  day  ;  arid  to  be  in  the  mode,  you 
must  quit  the  good  old  path  of  devotion  as  too 
antiquated  for  any  but  monks  and  hermits;  so 
as  you  iaugh  at  religion,  that  is  enough  to  secure 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCK.  165 

to  you  the  company,  and  the  applause,  of  the 
sons  of  politeness.  Oh  that  God  may  be  a  buck- 
ler and  a  shield  to  defend  you  from  their  as- 
saults !  Let  but  their  private  morals  be  inquired 
into,  and  if  they  may  have  a  hearing,  I  dare  en- 
gage they  will  not  bear  a  favourable  testimony 
to  the  good  tendency  of  skepticism  ;  and  it  may 
be  legarded  as  an  indisputable  axiom.  That  what 
is  friendly  to  virtue  is  unfriendly  to  man. 

**  Were  I  to  argue  u  posteriori  in  favour  of  truth, 
I  should  contend  that  those  principles  must  be 
true,  which  (first)  corresponded  with  general  ob- 
servation—  (secondly)  tended  to  general  happU 
ness  —  (thirdlv)  preserved  a  uniform  connexion 
between  cause  and  effect,  evil  and  remedy,  in  all 
situations. 

"  I  would  then  apply  these  data  to  the  princi- 
ples held  on  the  one  side,  by  the  deists  ;  and  on 
the  other,  bv  the  believers  in  revelation.  In  the 
application  of  the^zVs/,  I  would  refer  to  the  state 
of  human  nature.  [he  deist  contends  for  its  pu- 
rity, and  powers.  Revelation  declares  its  depra- 
vity, and  weakness.  I  compare  these  opposite 
declarations  with  the  facts  that  fall  under  con- 
stant observation.  Do  I  not  see  that  there  is  a 
Jargei  poftion  of  vice  in  the  world,  than  of  vir- 
tue ;  that  no  man  needs  solicitation  to  evii,  but 
every  man  a  guard  against  it  ;  and  that  thousands 
bewail  their  subjection  to  lusts,  which  the\  have 
no!  power  to  subdue,  whilst  they  live  in  moral 
slavery,  and  cannot  buist  the  chain?  Which 
principle  then  shah  I  admit  ?  Will  observation 
countenance  the  deist ical  ?  I  am  convinced  to 
the  ^  ,  and  must  sav,   1  cannot  be   a  ceist 

w  it  becoming  a  fool  ;  and  to  ex  ijtt  in  \  reason, 

I       .>.  deny  my  senses. 

"  i  take  the  second  datum,  and  inquire,  which 
tends  ivast  io gc    ^  a  happiness?    iostcurt  h  p- 
pniesi3   three     things     <oe    necessary  : — object, 
P  2 


leu  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

means,  and  motives.  I  he  question ns, — Which 
points  out  ih e  true  source  of  happiness  \, which 
directs  to  the  best  means  for  attaining  it  ;  and 
which  furnishes  me  with  the  most  powerful  mo- 
tives to  induce  my  pursuit  of  it  ?  If  I  take  a  deist 
for  mv  tutor,  he  tells  me  that  Fame  is  the  object; 
universal  accommodation  of  manners  to  interest^ 
the  means  ;  and  self-love  the  spring  of  action. 
Sordid  teacher  !  From  him  i  turn  to  Jesus.  His 
better  voice  informs  me,  that  the  source  of  felici- 
ty is  the  friendship  of  my  God  ;  that  love  to  my 
maker,  and  love  to  man,  expressed  :n  all  the  no- 
ble and  amiable  effusions  of  devotion  and  benev- 
olence, are  the  means  ;  and  that  the  glory  of 
Cod9  and  the  happ  ness  of  the  universe,  musi  be 
my  motives.  Biessed  instructor,  thy  dictates  ap- 
prove themselves  to  every  illuminated  conscience, 
to  everv  pious  heart  !  Du  thev  not,  my  dear 
P ,  approve  themselves  to  yours  ! 

"  But  I  will  not  tire  your  patience  bv  pursuing 
these  remarks.  Little  did  I  think  of  such  am- 
plification when  I  first  took  up  my  pen.  Oh  that 
I  may  have  the  joy  of  finding  that  these  (at  least 
well  meant)  endeavors  to  establish  your  piety 
have  not  been  ungraciously  received,  nor  wholly 
unprofitable  to  your  mine  !  I  am  encouraged  to 
these  effusions  of  friendship  by  that  amiable  self- 
distrust  which  your  letter  expresses  ;  a  temper 
not  only  becoming  the  earlier  stages  of  life,  but 
graceful  in  aii  its  advancing  periods. 

"  U  i  speak  able  satisfaction  does  it  afford  me  to 
find  that  you  are  conscious  of  the  necessity  of 
'first'  seeking  assistance  from  heaven.  Retain, 
my  dear  friend,  tins  honourable,  this  equitable 
sentiment.  4  In  ail  thy  ways  acknowledge  God* 
and  he  shall  direct  thy  paths.' 

<6  I  hope  you  will  still  be  cautions  in  your  inti- 
macies. You  will  gain  more  by  a  half  hour's 
intercourse  with  God,  than  the  friendship  ohh« 
"Whole  college  can  impart.    Too  much  acquaint 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCLS  16;7' 

ance  would  be  followed  with  a  waste  of  that  pre* 
cious  time,  on  the  present  improvement  of  which 
your  future  usefulness  and  respectability  in  your 
profession  depend.  Like  the  bee,  you  ma)  do 
besi  by  sipping  the  sweets  of  every  flower  ;  but 
remember,  the  sweetest  blossom  is  noC  the  hive. 
Yours  very  affectionately, 

S.  P.*' 

'*  P.  S.  So  many  books  have  been  published 
on  the  same  subject  as  the  manuscript  you  helped 
me  to  copy,  that  1  have  not  sent  it  to  the  press  " 


»># 


ooocooooooo 

NO.  III. 

To  a  young  Lady  at  school.  Miss  A.  II.  a  daugh- 
ter of  one  oj  the  members  oj  his  Church, 

1CI  CANNOT  deny  myself  the  pleasure, 
which  this  opportunity  affords  me,  of  expressing 
the  concern  I  feel  for  your  happiness,  arising 
frorrj  the  sincerest  friendship;, a  friendship,  which 
the  many  amiable  qualities  you  possess,  together 
with  the  innumerable  oppoituriities  I  ha\e  had  of 
seeing  them  displayed,  have  taught  me  to  form 
and  perpetuate. 

"  U  affords  me  inexpressible  pleasure  to  bear, 
that  you  re  bo  happ)  in  your  present  Situation  : 
a  situation  in  whici  i  rejoice  to  sec  you  placed, 
because  it  is  not  merely  calculated  to  embellish 
the  manners,  but  to  pi*  hi  the  soul.  1  hope  that 
mv  ci«.ar  Ann,  amidst  the  various  pursuits,  of  a,n 

*  The  coiTip'lcr  believes  rln's  u-a^  an  answer  10  Mr. 
Peter  Edward's  Candid  reasons,  &c  He  knows  Mr. 
Pearre  did  write  an  answer  to  thai  performance.  By 
ihc  effrontery  of  »he  wriier  he  ha>  acknowledgtd  he 
wa^  a  fitst  a  little  stunned  ;  but  upon  txtpiimng  iiit 
fcrgumtms,  found  u  no  very  difficult  undertaking  10 
poiut  oiu  their  fallacy* 


168  MEMOIRS   OF    THE    LATE 

ornamental  or  scientific  nature  which  she  may 
adop  ,  will  not  omit  that  first,  that  gieat  concern, 
rJ  he  dedication  of  her  heart  to  God  To  ibis, 
mv  dedv  girl,  every  thing  invites-you  that  is  wor- 
thy of  your  attention.  The  dignity  of  a  rational 
and  immortal  soul;  the  condition  of  human  na- 
ture, the  gracious  truths  and  promises  of  God, 
the  sweetness  and  usefulness  of  religion,  the 
cuifort  if  yields  in  affliction,  the  security  it  af- 
foi  ds  in  temptation,  the  supports  it  gives  in  death, 
and  the  prospect  it  gives  of  life  everlasting  ;  all 
these  considerations,  backed  with  the  uncertain- 
ty of  lire,  the  solemnity  of  judgment,  the  terrors 
of  hell,  and  the  calls  of  conscience  and  of  God, 
— ail  demand  your  heart  for  the  Blessed  Jehovah, 
This,  and  nothing  short  of  this,  is  true  religion* 
You  have  often  heard,  and  often  written  on  re- 
ligion :  it  is  time  you  should  feel  it  now.  Oh 
wii.u  a  blessedness  will  attend  yout  hearty  sur- 
render of  yourself  to  the  God  and  Father  of 
men  !  Me  thinks  I  sec  ah  the  angels  of  God  re- 
joicirrg  it  the  sight,  all  the  $amt$  m  heaven  par- 
taking of  then  joy  :  Jesus  himself,  who  died  for 
sinners,  gazing  on  you  with  delight  '.  your  own 
heart  fii  ed  with  peace  and  joy  in  b«  lieving  ;  and 
a  thousand  streams  ot  goodness  flowing  frorti 
your  renovated  s<>ul  to  refresh  the  aged  saint,  and 
to  encourage  v-  ur  fellow  youth  to  seek  first  the 
kingdon     ot  heaven    and  press  on  to  God.      But 

0  .  should  I  be  mistaken  !  Alas,  alas,  I  cannot 
beai  the  thou  j  lit.  Oh  thou  Saviour  or  sinner*, 
an-  God  ot  love  !  t:ke  captive  the  heart  of  my 
de  a  voung  friend,  diid  make  bet  tiuiy  wu.mg 
to  be  wholly  thine  ! 

44  if  vou  can  iino  freedom,  do  oblige  me  with 
a  letter  on  the  state  of  re;  gum  in  youi  own  soul, 
and  be  assuieo  tit  ever)  sympathy  01  ad>;ce  that 

1  am  capable  oifeeJmgui  giving. 

Affectionately  yours, 

S.  P." 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARC£  \g$ 

NO.  IV. 

To  a  young  Minister,  Mr.  C ,  of  L *,  on 

preparation) or  the  pulpit, 

u  My  dear  brother, 

"  YOUR  first  letter  gave  me  much  pleas- 
ure. I  hoped  you  would  learn  some  useful  les- 
son from  the  first  Sabbath's  disappointment.  Ev- 
erv  thing  is  good  which  leads  us  to  depend  more 
simpiv  on  the  Lord.  Could  I  choose  my  frames, 
I  would  sav  respecting  industry  in  preparation  for 
public  work,  as  is  frequently  said  respecting 
Christian  obedience  ;  L  would  applv  as  close  as 
though  I  expected  no  help  from  the  Lord,  whilst 
I  would  depend  on  the  Lord  tor  assistance,  as 
though  I  had  never  made  any  preparation  at  all. 

"  i  rejoice  much  in  ever*  thing  ihmt  affords 
you  ground  for  solid  pleasure.  The  account  of 
the  affection  borne  you  b>  the  people  of  God, 
was  therefore  a  matter  of  joy  to  my  heart,  espe- 
cially as  I  learnt  from  tire  person  who  brought 
your  etter,  that  the  friendship  seemed  pretty 
general. 

"  Your  last  has  occasioned  me  some  pain  on 
your  account,  because  it  informs  me  that  you 
have  been  'exceedingly  tried  in  '.he  pulpit:' 
but  I  receive  satisfaction  ag*in  from  considering, 
that  the  gJoom  of  midnight  precedes  the  rising 
day,  not  oniy  in  the  natural  world,  but  frequently 
also  in  the  Christian  minister's  experience.  Do 
not  be  discouraged,  my  dear  brother :  those  whose 
labours  God  has  been  pleased  most  eminently  to 
bless,  have  generally  had  their  days  of  prosperity 
ushered  in  with  clouds  and  storms.  You  are  in 
the  sieve  ;  but  the  sieve  is  in  our  Saviour's  hands  ; 
and  he  will  not  suffer  any  thing  but  the  chaff  to 
fjill  through,  let  him  winnow  us  as  often  as  lie 
may.     No  one  at  times,  1  think  I  may  say,  has 


f70  MEMOIRS  OP  THE  LAf  E 

beer,  worse  tried  than  myself,  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  you  express  ;  though  I  must  be  thankful  it 
has  not  been  often. 

"You  ask  direction  of  me,  my  dear  brother. 
I  am  too  inexperienced  myself  to  be  capable  of 
directing  others  ;  yet  if  the  little  time  I  have 
been  employed  for  God  has  furnished  me  with 
any  thing  worthy  of  communication,  it  will  be 
imported  to  no  one  with  mure  readiness  than  to 
you. 

"  I  should  advise  you  when  vou  have  been  dis- 
tressed by  hesitation,  to  reflect  whether  it  arose 
from  tin  inability  to  recollect  your  ideas  or  to  ob- 
tain words  Suited  toconvei  thrm.  If  the  former, 
I  i  ink.  these  two  directions  maj  be  serviceable  * 
First,  Eftdeavoui  to  think  in  a  tram.  Lei  one 
idea  depend  upon  another  in  four  iscuurses,  as 
one  11.  k  does  upon  an  ther  in  a  chain.  For  this 
end  I  have  found  it  necessary  to  arrange  my  sub- 
jects in  the  order  of  time.  Thus,  for  instance, — 
If  speaking  of  the  promises,  1  would  begin  with 
those  which  were  suited  to  the  earliest  inquiiies 
of  a  convinced  soul:  as  pardon,  assistance  in 
picver,  wisdom.  &c.  .  then  go  to  those  parls  of 
Chi ist >an  experience  which  aie  usually  subse- 
1 1 to  the  former :  as,  promises  of  support  in 
uons,  deliverance  from  temptations,  and  per- 
severance in  grace  :  closing  with  a  review  of 
those  which  speak  of  support  in  death,  and  final 
glory.  I  hen  ail  the  varieties  of  description  res- 
pecting the  giory  of  heaven  will  follow  in  natur- 
al order  :  as,  the  enlargement  of  the  understand- 
ing purification  of  the  affeciions,  intercourse  with 
saints,  angels,  and  Christ  himself,  which  wiii  be 
eternal;  thus  beginning  with  the  lowest  marks  of 
grace,  and  ascending  step  by  step,  you  at  last 
arrive  in  the  fruition  of  faith,  i  his  mode  is  most 
nat  ral,  and  most  pleasing  to  the  hearers,  as  well 
as  assisting  to  the  preacher  $  for  one  idea  gives 


MR.  SAMtTEL  PEARCE.  171 

bjrth  to  another,  and  he  can   hardly   help  going 
forward  regularly  and  easily. 

"  Second iv,  Labour  to  render  your  ideas  trans- 
parent to  yourself.  Never  offer  to  introduce  a 
thought,  which  you  cannot  see  through  before 
you  enter  the  pulpit. — You  have  read  in  Claude^ 
that  the  best  preparative  to  preach  from  a  sub- 
ject, is  to  understand  it  :  and  I  think  Bishop 
Burnet  says,  No  man  properly  understands  any 
thing,  who  cannot  at  any  time  represeni  it  to  oth- 
ers. 

"  If  your  hesitation   proceeds  from  a  want  of 

words,  I  should  advise  you 1.  To  read  good 

and  easy  authors  :  Dr.  Watts  especially. — 2.  To 
write  a  great  part  of  your  sermons,  and  for  a 
while  get  at  least  the  leading  ideas  of  every  head 
of  discourse  by  heart,  enlarging  only  at  the  close 
of  every  thought. — 8.  Sometimes,  as  in  the  end 
of  sermons,  or  when  you  preach  »*  villages, 
start  off  in  preaching  beyond  all  you  hcroe  premed- 
itated. Fasten  on  some  leading  ideas  ;  as,  the 
solemnity  of  death,  the  awfuiness  of  judgment, 
the  necessity  of  a  ohange  of  heart,  the  willing- 
ness of  Christ  to  save,  &c.  Never  mind  how  far 
you  ramble  from  the  point,  so  as  you  do  not  lose 
sight  of  it  ;  and  if  your  heart  be  any  way  warm, 
yuu  will  rind  some  expressions  then  fall  from 
your  lips,  which  your  imagination  could  not  pro- 
duce in  an  age  of  studious  application. — 4.  Di- 
vest yourself  of  all  fear.  If  you  should  breik  the 
rules  of  grammar,  or  put  in,  or  leave  oix\  a  word, 
and  recolle<  t  at  the  Gmi  of  the  sentence  the  im- 
propriety i  unless  it  makes  nonsense,  or  bjd  di- 
vinity, nevei  trv  to  mend  it,  but  let  it  pass.  If 
So,  perhaps  only  a  tew  would  notice  n  ;  ljut  if 
you  stammei  in  trying  to  mend  ;t,  you  wu:  ex- 
pose yourself  to  all  the  congregation. 

46  l.i   addition  to     II    i  h. •  ■  .    $a        you   k.    w 
where  to  took,  and  from  whom  to  seek  that  wis- 


J  72  MEMOIRS  OF  THE  LATE 

dom  and  strength  which  only  God  can  give.  To 
him  I  recommend  you,  my  dear  brother,  assuring 
you  of  my  real  esteem  for  you,  and  requesting 
you  will  not  fail  to  pray  for  the  least  ot  saints., 
but 


S.  P. 


Yours  affectionately^ 

ooooooooooo 
A  MORNING  SONG. 


*{  GOD  of  cur  lives,  our  morning  songs 

To  thee  we  cheerful  raise  ; 
Thy  acts  of  love  'tis  good  to  sing, 

And  pleasant  'tis  to  praise. 

Guardian  of  man,  thy  wakeful  eyes, 
Nor  sleep,  nor  slumber  know  ; 

Thilie  eyes  pierce  through  the  shades  of  night, 
Intent  on  all  below. 

Sustain'd  by  thee,  cur  op'ning  eyes 

Salute  the  morning  light  ; 
Secure  I  ftand.   unhurt  by  all 

The  arrows  of  the  night, 

My  Y\h  renew* d,  my  strength  rcpair'd, 

To  thee,  my  God  is  due  ; 
Teach  me  thy  ways,  and  give  me  grace 

My  duty  to  pursue. 

From  ev'iy  evil  me  dtitnc, 

But  guard  me  most  from  sin  \ 
Direct  my  going  out,   Oh  Lord, 

And  bless  my  coming  in  !     ' 

Oh  may  thy  holy  fear  command 

Each  action,  thought,  and  word 

Then  shall  I  sweetly  close  the  day, 
Apprcv'd  of  thee,  my  Lord*" 


MR.  SAMUEL  PEARCE.  173 

AN  EVENING  SONG. 

"  AUTHOR  of  life,  with  grateful  heart 

My  ev'ning  song  I'll  raise  ; 
But  Oh,  thy  thousand  thousand  gifts 

Exceed  my  highest  praise. 

What  shall  I  render  to  thy  care, 

Which  me  this  day  has  kept  ? 
A  thankful  heart's  the  least  return, 

And  this  thou  wilt  accept. 

Now  night  has  spread  her  sable  wings, 

I  would  the  day  review  ; 
My  errors  nicely  mark,  and  see 

What  still  I  have  to  do. 

What  sins,  or  follies,  holy  God, 

I  may  this  day  have  done, 
I  would  confess  with  grief,  and  pray 

For  pardon  through  thy  Son. 

Much  of  my  precious  time  I've  lost : 

This  foolish  waste  forgive  ; 
By  one  day  nearer  brought  to  death, 

Map  I  begin  to  live  l" 


174*  CONCLUSION. 


CONCLUDING  REFLECTIONS. 


THE  great  ends  of  Christian  Biography  are  in- 
struction and  example.  By  faithfully  describing 
the  lives  of  men  eminent  for  godliness,  we  not  only 
embalm  their  memory,  but  furnish  ourselves  with 
fresh  materials  and  motives  for  a  holy  life.  It  is 
abundantly  more  impressive  to  view  the  religion  of 
Jesus  as  operating  in  a  lively  character,  than  to 
contemplate  it  abstractly.  For  this  reason  we  may 
suppose  the  Lord  the  Spirit  has  condescended  to 
exhibit  first  and  principally,  the  life  of  Christ  ;  and 
after  his,  that  of  many  of  his  eminent  followers. 
And  for  this  reason,  he  by  his  holy  influences  still 
furnishes  the  church  with  now  and  then  a  singular 
example  of  godliness,  which  it  is  our  duty  to  notice 
and  record.  There  can  be  no  reasonable  doubt  that 
the  life  of  Mr.  Pearce  ought  to  be  considered  as 
one  of  these  examples.  May  that  same  divine 
Spirit  who  had  manifestly  so  great  a  hand  in  form- 
ing his  character,  teach  us  to  derive  from  it  both  in- 
struction and  edification  ! 

First,  In  him  zve  may  see  the  holy  efficacy,  and  by 
consequence,  the  truth  of  the  Christian  religion — It 
was  long  since  asked,  Who  is  he  that  overcometh 
the  zvorld,  but  he  who  believeth  that  Jesus  is  the 
Son  of  God?  This  question  contained  a  challenge  to 
men  of  all  religions,  who  were  then  upon  the  earth. 
Idolatry  had  a  great  diversity  of  species  :  every  na- 
tion worshipping  its  own  gods,  and  in  modes  pecul- 
iar to  themselves  :  philosophers  also  were  divided 
into  numerous  sects,  each  flattering  itself  that  it  had 
found  the  truth  :  even  the  Jews  had  their  divis- 
ions ;  their  pharisees,  saducees,  and  Essenes  :  but 
sreat  as  manv  of  them  were  in  deeds  of  divers  kindsj 


CONCLUSION.  ITd 

an  apostle  could  look  them  all  in  the  face,  and  ask„ 
Who  is  he  that  overcometh  the  world  ?  The  same 
question  might  safety  be  asked  in  every  succeeding 
age.  The  various  kinds  of  religions  that  still  pre  - 
vail  ;  the  pagan,  mahometan,  Jewish,  papal,  or 
protectant,  may  form  the  exteriors  of  man  accor- 
ding to  their  respective  models  ;  but  where  is  the 
man  amongst  them,  save  the  true  believer  in  Jesus, 
that  overcometh  the  world  ?  Men  may  cease  from 
particular  evils,  and  assume  a  very  different  char- 
acter ;  may  lay  aside  their  drunkenness,  blasphe- 
mies, or  debaucheries,  and  take  up  with  a  kind  of 
monkish  austerity,  and  yet  all  amount  to  nothing 
more  than  an  exchange  of  vices.  The  lusts  of  the 
flesh  will  on  many  occasions  give  place  to  those  of 
the  mind  ;  but  to  overcome  the  world  is  another 
thing.  JBy  embracing  the  doctrine  of  the  Cross,  tc 
feel  not  merely  a  dread  of  the  consequences  of  sin, 
but  a  holy  abhorrence  of  its  nature  ;  and  by  con- 
versing  with  invisible  realities,  to  become  regard- 
less of  the  best,  and  fearless  of  the  worst,  that  this 
world  has  to  dispense  ;  this  is  the  effect  of  genuine 
Christianity,  and  this  is  a  standing  proof  of  its  di- 
vine original.  Let  the  most  inveterate  enemy  of 
revelation  have  witnessed  the  disinterested  benev- 
olence of  a  Paul,  a  Peter,  or  a  John,  and  whether 
he  would  own  it,  or  not,  his  conscience  must  have 
borne  testimony  that  this  is  true  religion.  The 
same  may  be  said  of  Samuel  Pearce  :  whether  the 
doctrine  he  preached  found  a  place  in  the  hearts  of 
his  hearers  or  not,  his  spirit  and  life  must  have  ap 
proved  itself  to  their  consciences. 

Secondly,  In  him  we  see  hozv  much  may  be  done 
for  God  in  a  little  time. — If  his  death  had  been 
foreknown  by  his  friends,  some  might  have  hesitat- 
ed whether  it  was  worth  while  for  him  to  engage 
in  the  work  of  the  ministry  for  so  short  a  period  : 
yet,  if  we  take  a  view  of  his  labours,  perhaps  there 


X7b  CONCLUSION. 

are  few  lives  productive  of  a  greater  portion  ot 
good.  That  life  is  not  always  the  longest  which  is 
spun  out  to  the  greatest  extent  of  days.  The  first 
of  all  lives  amounted  but  to  thirty-three  years  ;  and 
the  most  important  works  pertaining  to  that  were 
wrought  in  the  last  three.  There  is  undoubtedly  a 
way  of  rendering  a  short  life  a  long  one,  and  a  long 
life  a  short  one,  by  filling  or  not  filling  it  with  prop- 
er materials.  That  time  which  is  squandered  a- 
way  in  sloth  or  trifling  pursuits,  forms  a  kind  of 
blank  in  human  life  :  in  looking  it  over  there  is 
nothing  for  the  mind  to  rest  upon  ;  and  a  whole 
life  so  spent,  whatever  number  of  years  it  may  con- 
tain, must  appear  upon  reflection  short  and  vacant, 
in  comparrison  of  one  filled  up  with  valuable  ac- 
quisitions, and  holy  actions.  It  is  like  the  space  be* 
tvveen  vis  and  the  sun,  which,  though  immensely 
greater  than  that  which  is  traversed  in  a  profitable 
journey,  yet  being  all  empty  space,  the  mind  goes 
over  it  in  much  less  time,  and  without  any  satisfac- 
tion. If  i  that  life  be  long  which  answers  life's 
great  end,'  Mr.  Pearce  may  assuredly  be  said  to 
have  come  to  his  grave  in  a  good  old  age.  And 
might  we  not  all  do  much  more  than  we  do,  if  our 
hearts  were  more  in  our  work.  Where  this  is 
wanting,  or  operates  but  in  a  small  degree,  difficul- 
ties are  magnified  into  impossibilities  ;  a  lion  is  in 
the  way  of  extraordinary  exertion  ;  or  if  we  be  in- 
duced to  engage  in  something  of  this  kind,  it  will 
be  at  the  expense  of  a  uniform  attention  to  ordinary 
duties.  But  some  will  ask,  How  are  our  hearts  to 
be  in  our  work  ?  Mr.  Pearce's  heart  was  habitual- 
ly in  his  ;  and  that  which  kept  alive  the  sacred  flame 
in  him  appears  to  have  been, — The  constant  habit 
of  conversing  with  divine  truth,  and  walking  with 
God  in  private. 

Thirdly,  In  him  we  see,  in  clear  and  strong  col- 
ours, to  -what   a  decree  of  solid  peace   and  joy  true 


CONCLUSION.  177 

religion  will  raise  us,  even  in  the  present  world. — 
A  little  religion,  it  has  been  justly  said,  will  make 
us  miserable  ;  but  a  great  deal  will  make  us  happy. 
The  one  will  do  little  more  than  keep  the  con- 
science alive,  while  our  numerous  defects  and  in- 
consistences are  perpetually  furnishing  it  with  ma- 
terials to  scourge  us  :  the  other  keeps  the  heart 
alive,  and  leads  us  to  drink  deep  at  the  fountain  of 
joy.  Hence  it  is,  in  a  great  degree,  that  so  much 
of  the  spirit  of  bondage,  and  so  little  of  the  Spirit 
of  adoption  prevails  among  Christians.  Religious 
enjoyments  with  us  are  rather  occasional,  than  ha- 
bitual ;  or  if  in  some  instances  it  be  otherwise,  we 
are  ready  to  suspect  that  it  is  supported  in  part  by 
the  strange  fire  of  enthusiasm,  and  not  by  the  pure 
flame  of  scriptural  devotion.  But,  in  Mr.  Pearce, 
we  saw  a  devotion  ardent,  steady,  pure,  and  perse- 
vering ;  kindled,  as  we  may  say,  at  the  altar  of  God, 
like  the  fire  of  the  temple,  it  went  not  out  by  night 
nor  by  day.  He  seemed  to  have  learnt  that  heaven- 
ly art,  so  conspicuous  among  the  primitive  Chris- 
tians, of  converting  every  thing  he  met  with  into 
materials  for  love,  and  joy,  and  praise.  Hence  he 
4  laboured,'  as  he  expresses  it,  4  to  exercise  most 
love  to  God  when  suffering  most  severely  ;'  and 
hence  he  so  affectingly  encountered  the  billows  that 
overwhelmed  his  feeble  frame,  crying, 

c  Sweet  affliction,  sweet  affliction, 
Singing  as  I  wade  to  heaven,.  ■ 

The  constant  happiness  that  he  enjoyed  in  God 
was  apparent  in  the  effects  of  his  sermons  upon  oth- 
ers. Whatever  we  feel  ourselves  we  shall  ordina- 
rily communicate  to  our  hearers  ;  and  it  has  been 
already  noticed,  that  one  of  the  most  distinguish- 
ing properties  of  his  discourses  was, — that  they  in- 
spired the  serious  mind  with  the  liveliest  sensations 


178  CONCLUSION. 

of  happiness.  They  descended  upon  the  audience, 
not  indeed  like  a  transporting  flood,  but  like  a 
shower  of  dew,  gently  insinuating  itself  into  the 
heart,  insensibly  dissipating  :ts  gloom,  and  gradu- 
ally drawing  forth  the  graces  of  faith,  hope,  love, 
and  joy  :  while  the  countenance  was  brightened  al- 
most into  a  smile,  tears  of  pleasure  would  rise,  and 
glisten,  and  fall  fr3m  the  admiring  eye. 

What  a  practical  confutation  did  his  life  afford 
of  the  slander  so  generally  cast  upon  the  religion  of 
Jesus,  that  it  fills  the  mind  with  gloom  and  misery  ! 
No  :  leaving  futurity  out  of  the  question,  the  whole 
world  of  unbelievers  might  be  challenged  to  pro- 
duce'a  character  from  among  them  who  possessed 
half  his  enjoyments. 

Fourthly,  From  his  example  we  are  furnished 
with  the  greatest  encouragement,  xuhile  pursuing 
the  path  of  duty,  to  place  our  trust  in  God* — The 
situation  in  which  he  left  his  family,  we  have  seen 
already,  was  not  owing  to  an  indifference  to  their 
interest,  or  an  improvident  disposition,  or  the  want 
of  opportunity  to  have  provided  for  them  :  but  to  a 
steady  and  determined  obedience  to  do  what  he  ac- 
counted the  will  of  God.  He  felt  deeply  for  them, 
and  we  all  felt  with  him,  and  longed  to  be  able  to 
assure  him  before  his  departure,  that  they  would  be 
amply  provided  for  :  but  owing  to  circumstances 
which  have  already  been  mentioned,  this  was  more 
than  we  could  do.  This  was  a  point  in  which  he 
was  called  to  die  in  faith:  and  indeed  so  he  did. 
He  appears  to  have  had  no  idea  of  that  flood  of 
kindness,  which,  immediately  after  his  decease, 
flowed  from  the  religious  public  ;  biit  he  believed 
in  God,  and  cheerfully  left  all  with  him.  '  Oh  that 
I  could  speak,'  said  he  to  Mrs.  Pearce  a  little  be- 
fore his  death, i  I  would  tell  a  world  to  trust  a  faith- 
ful God.  Sweet  affliction  ;  now  it  worketh  glory, 
glory  !'  And  when  she  told  him  the  workings  of  her 


CONCLUSION.  179 

mind,  he  answered, l  Oh  trust  the  Lord  !  If  he  lift 
up  the  light  of  his  countenance  upon  you,  as  he  has 
done  upon  me  this  day,  all  your  mountains  will  be- 
come mole-hills.  I  feel  your  situation  :  I  feel  your 
sorrows  :  but  he  who  takes  care  of  sparrows,  will 
care  for  you  and  my  dear  children.' 

The  liberal  contributions  which  have  since  been 
made,  though  they  do  not  warrant  ministers  in  gen- 
eral to  expect  the  same,  and  much  less  to  neglect 
providing  for  their  own  families  on  such  a  presump- 
tion ;  yet  they  must  need  be  considered  as  a  singu- 
lar encouragement,  when  we  are  satisfied  that  we 
are  in  the  path  of  duty,  to  be  inordinately  '  careful 
for  nothing,  but  in  every  thing,  by  prayer  and  sup- 
plication, with  thanksgiving,  to  let  our  requests  be 
made  known  to  God.' 

Finally,  In  him  we  see  that  the  way  to  true  ex- 
cellence is  not  to  affect  eccentricity,  nor  to  aspire 
after  the  performance  of  a  few  splendid  actions  ; 
but  to  fill  up  our  lives  with  a  sober,  modest,  sincere, 

affectionate,   assiduous,    and  uniform   conduct. 

Real  greatness  attaches  to  character  ;  jand  charac- 
ter arises  from  a  course  of  action.  Solid  reputation 
as  a  merchant  arises  not  from  a  man's  having  made 
his  fortune  by  a  few  successful  adventures  ;  but 
from  a  course  of  wise  economy,  and  honourable  in- 
dustry, which  gradually  accumulating,  advances  by- 
pence  to  shillings,  and  by  shillings  to  pounds.  The 
most  excellent  philosophers  are  not  those  who  have 
dealt  chiefly  in  splendid  speculations,  and  looked 
down  upon  the  ordinary  concerns  of  men  as  things 
beneath  their  notice  ;  but  those  who  have  felt  their 
interests  united  with  the  interests  of  mankind,  and 
bent  their  principal  attention  to  things  of  real  and 
public  utility.  It  is  much  the  same  in  religion. 
We  do  not  esteem  a  man  for  one,  or  two,  or  three 
good  deeds,  any  farther  than  as  these  deeds  are  indi- 
cations of  the  real  state  of  his  mind.     We  do  not 


180  CONCLUSION'. 

estimate  the  character  of  Christ  himself  so  much 
from  his  having  given  sight  to  the  blind,  or  restored 
Lazarus  from  the  grave,  as  from  his  going'  about 
continually  doing  good. 

These  single  attempts  at  great  things  are  fre- 
quently the  efforts  of  a  vain  mind,  which  pants  for 
fame,  and  has  not  patience  to  wait  for  it,  nor  dis- 
cernment to  know  the  way  in  which  it  is  obtained. 
One  pursues  the  shade,  and  it  flies  from  him  ;  while 
another  turns  his  back  upon  it,  and  it  follows  him. 
The  one  aims  at  once  to  climb  the  rock,  but  falls 
ere  he  reaches  thejsummit ;  the  other  walking  round 
it,  in  pursuit  of  another  object,  gradually  and  insen* 
sibly  ascends  till  he  reaches  it ;  seeking  the  appro- 
bation of  his  God,  he  finds  with  it  that  of  his  fellow 
Christians. 


^HE  promised  Presence  of  Christ  with  his 
People  a  Source  of  Consolation  under  the 
most  painful  bereavements. 


A 

SERMON 

DELIVERED  AT  THE 

Baptist  Meeting-House,  Cannon-Street,  Birmingham* 

ON 

LORD'S  DAY  EVEN IN  G,  OCT.  20,  179SU 

Occasioned  by  the  Death  of 

The  Rev.  SAMUEL  PKARCE,  a.  it, 

LATE  PASTOR 
OF  THE  CHURCH  ASSEMBLING  THERE  ; 

Who  died   October .  \Q,   in   the  y*:h    Year   of  /us    Jge* 

By  JOHN  RYLAND,  d.  d. 

To  which  is  prefixed* 

AN 

ORATION 

DELIVERED  AT  THE  GRAVE,  OCT.  16,  1T99. 
By  the  Rev.  J.  BREWER. 


NEWARK; 

PRINTED    BY    W.    TUTTL*?.- 

1809. 


THE 
SUBSTANCE  of  an  ORATION, 

DELIVERED  AT  THE  GRAVE 
OF 

The  Kev.  SAMUEL    PEARCE, 


WE  are  called  together  to-day  upon  a  most 
solemn  and  affecting  occasion.  Our  business 
here  is,  to  convey  the  precious  remains  of  a  dear 
departed  brother  to  his  long  home,  to  the  house 
appointed  for  all  living.  The  subject  of  our  pres- 
ent contemplation  is  of  no  ordinary  kind  ;  it  is 
that  which  ought  to  come  home  to  every  man's 
bosom,  because  it  is  that  in  which  we  are  all  inter- 
ested. It  is  not  like  many  other  subjects,  which, 
while  some  are  materially  affected  by  them,  to 
others  they  are  articles  of  total  indifferency  :  but 
death  speaks  ill  an  imperious  tone,  and  demands 
the  attention  of  all. 

Death!  solemn  sound  !  the  bare  annunciation 
of  which,  should  arrest  the  mind  of  every  individ- 
ual in  this  numerous  assembly.  Where  is  the 
man  that  liveth  and  shall  not  see  death  ?  When 
Xerxes  viewed  his  incalculable  army,  it  is  said, 
he  wept,  from  the  consideration  that  in  a  few 
years,  not  one  of  that  prodigious  host  would  be 
living.  Whether  the  Persian  really  wept  or  not, 
I  am  not  sure  ;  but  when  I  consider,  that  in  a  few, 
comparatively  a  very  few  years,  not  one  of  all 
whom  F  am  now  addressing  but  must  be  laid  as  low 
as   the   breathless   corpse  of  our  dear  departed 


4  Oration  at  the  Grave  of 

brother,  I  feel  my  mind  deeply  affected.  And-, 
O  that  1  could  but  awaken  a  dtfe  concern  in  every 
bosom  about  this  truly  momentous  subject  ! 

Thus  stands  the  irrevocable  decree  of  the  immu- 
table God — It  is  appointed  unto  all  men  once 
TO  DIE.  The  wise  and  unwise*  the  patrician  and 
plebian,  the  monarch  and  the  beggar,  must  submit 
alike  to  the  strong  arm  of  this  universal  conquer- 
or, the  king  of  terrors.  A  consideration  like  this 
should  sink  deep  into  every  man's  heart  ;  but 
alas !  man  is  a  strange  being,  loth  to  learn  what 
most  intimately  belongs  to  him.  The  most  awfu! 
things  losettheir  effect  by  their  frequency;  and 
hence  it  is,  that  the  death  of  a  fellow-creature  is, 
in  general,  no  more  regarded  than  u  the  fallof  an 
autumnal  leaf  in  the  pathless  desert.**  Wretched 
apathy!  Fatal  insensibility  ! 

Let  us  for  a  moment  meditate  upon  the  effects 
subsequent  to  the  triumph  of  the  last  enemy. 
What  melancholy  ravages  does  he  make,  even  in 
1K25  ^orld  !  He  eau&es  ib&faire&t  flower  to  wither- 
often  in  the  morning;  he  stains  the  pride  of  all 
sublunary  glory  ;  and  casts  the  noblest  work  of 
God  into  the  dust.  When  he  takes  to  himself  his 
great  power,  none  can  stay  his  hand.  Fixed  in 
his  purpose,  and  irresistible  in  the  execution  of 
the  same,  he  stalks,  untouched  by  the  pangs  of  ag- 
onizing nature  ;  the  distress  of  helpless  infancy  5 
the  poignant  grief  of  paternal  affection;  or  the 
bitterest  sorrows  of  connubial  love.  Relentlessly  he 
breaks  in  upon  domestic  happiness  ;  frustrates  the 
most  benevolent  designs  ;  and  casts  a  dark  shade 
upon  the  brightest  prospects.  In  fine,  cruelty 
marks  his  footsteps ;  and  desolation  and  anguish 
are  his  common  attendants. 

If  we  look  beyond  the  scene  which  presents  it. 
self  to  our  view  in  this  life;  and,  by  the  aid  of 
revelaton,  endeavour  to  substantiate  the  serious 
realities   of  death,  beyond   "  that   bourne  frora 


the  Rev.  Samuel  Pi'arce.  5 

whence  no  traveller  returns  !V  If  we  look  into  the 
eternal  world,  and  there  behold  what  follows  death, 
surely  we   cannot  remain  unmoved* 

Man  is  a  mortal  ;  H  is  the  flesh  i  nh  thai  <)ies  : 
The  spirit  is  incorruptible,.  Hence  dear!)  ig  the 
mos1  eventful  period  The  body  returns  toditst ; 
but  the  spirit  ascends  to  God  ;  and  enters  then  up- 
on its  eternal  state.  But  the  state  of  all  men  is 
not  alike  beyond  the  grave — The  -wicked  is  driven 
away  in  his  wickedness.  The;  guilty  sinner  then 
knows,  that  it  is  a  fearful  thThg  to  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  living  God.  Guilt  subjects  him  to 
the  divine  displeasure  ;  and  moral  depravity  un- 
fits him  for  that  p'ace,  into  which  nothing  that 
defileth  can  possibly  enter.  Fearful  moment ! 
All  his  hopes  are  no-v  like  a  spider's  web  ;  his 
imaginary  refuges  fail  ;  and  'he  wrath  of  God 
''beats  upon  his  naked  soul,  in  one  eternal 
s'.orm  "  The  rich  man  in  Luke  xvi.  can  tell  us 
all  about  it.  He  died  and  was  buried  ;  and  in  hell 
he  lift  up  his  eyes,  being  in  torment.  And  thus 
will  it  happen  lo  all,  who  know  not  God.  He 
that  made  them  will  have  no  mercy  on  them  ;  what- 
ever their  respective  situation  may  have  been  in 
this  life.  Death,  that  mighty  leveller,  will  reduce 
them  2\\  to  a  sad  equality.  He  that  fared  sump- 
tuously every  da\ ,  had  not  a  drop  of  water  to 
cool  his  burning  tongue,  when  once  he  had  pass- 
ed the  tremendous  gulf. 

How  different  the  estate  of  a  good  mar. !  The 
righteous  hath  hope  in  his  djalh.  The  day  of  his 
deat!)  is  infinitely  better  than  the  day  of  his  birth  : 
It  is  his  coronation  day  ;  the  final  close  of  aU  his 
troubles.  He  shall  sorrow  no  more.  Whatever 
fee  underwent  in  passing  through  this  vale  of  tears  f 
however  numerous  and  severe  his  trials,  they  are 
all  over.  The  Lamb  in  the  midst  of  the  throne 
shall  feed  Win.  He  shall  eat  of  the  tree  of  life 
*hich  is  in  the  midst  of  the  paradise  of  God.  He 
Aa 


6  Oration  at  the  Grave  of 

enters  upon  his  rest,  and  shall  go  no  more  out 
forever.  He  is  happy,  as  God  is  happy  ;  and 
saved  with  an  everlasting  salvation. 

Thus  death    is  always  a  solemn,  and   affecting 
event      but   sometimes,   cireumstances  render   it 
peculiarly  ^o  :  and  this  is  now  the  case.     We  have 
conveyed  no  common  mortal  to  the  grave.     Here 
lies  the  cold,  the  exanim.jted  clay  of  a  good  man  > 
of  an  eminently  good  man  ;  a  faithful,  highly  fa- 
vored minister  of  the  glorious  Gospel  of  the  bless- 
ed   God.     When  a  good  man  dies,  it  is  a  common 
loss;    thus  the  Psalmist  viewed  it.     Help,   Lord, 
for  ike  godly  man  ceaseth  !  The   death  of  such  a 
man,  Is  a  national  loss,  for"  the  strength  of  empire 
is    religion."     Righteousness    exalteih   a    ration. 
Good  men  are  the  salt  of  the  earth.     It  is   particu- 
larly a  loss  to  the  cause  of  God  on  earth  :   there  is 
one  laborer  less  in  the  vineyard  ;     one  watchman 
less   upon  the  walls  of  Jerusalem.      The    death  of 
that  good  man,  whom  we  are  now  bewailing,  is  a 
great  loss  to  the  pburohes  of  Christ.    His  ardent  love 
for  the  whole  truth  ;    his  flaming  zeal  ;  his  chaste 
conversation  will    be  long  remembered   by  many* 
But    you,     my    brethren,    who  compose    the 
Church  and  Congregation  in  this  place,  you  have 
had  a  great  breach  made  upon  you  ;  a  breach  that 
cannot  easily  be    repaired.     You  have  lost  a  val- 
uable minister ;   a  man,  who  labored  hard  for  your 
eternal  good  ;  a  man,    whose  grand   aim   was   to 
make  you  happy   forever.     You   know  how    fre- 
quency he  has  warned  you  to  flee  from  the  wrath 
to  come  ;  how  plainly   he  has  pointed  you  to  the 
Lamb  of  God,   as  the  only  sacrifice  for  your  sins. 
Yes,  ye  are  witnesses  ho-v   he  has  prayed  for  you, 
and  wept  over  you.     You   have  often  heard    him 
raise,  within  these  walls,   his  charming  voice,    in 
publishing   glad  tidings    to    Zion.       This   night, 
twelve  months,    the  place  that  I  am  now  occupy- 
ing, w£*   occupied  by  him.    This  very  night  twelve 


the  Rev.  Samuel  Pearce.  7 

months,  you  heard  the  Gospel  in  this  very  place 
from  his  mouth  ;  But  it  is  all  over  ;  you  shall  hear 
his  voice,  you  shall  see  his  face  no  more.  There  lies 
all  that  could  die  of  a  good  man  ;  a  faithful  mini^ 
ter;  a  tender  father;  and  an  affectionate  hus- 
band. His  lips  are  closed  tn  silence  ;  and  a'long 
night  hangs  upon  his  eyes.  Dust  is  returning  to 
dust  ;  and  corruption  already  commences  its  ri- 
ot- 
Painful  as  the  stroke  has  been  to  you,  there  are 
those,  on  whom  it  has  fallen  with  greater  severity. 
You  may  be  provided  with  another  minister  ;  but 
who  can  make  up  the  loss  to  his  bereaved  family  ? 
Who  can  restore  him  to  the  dee;  ly  afflicted  partner 
of  his  life  ?  Who  like  him,  can  soothe  her  sor- 
rows, and  cheer  her  on  the  rugged  path  of  time  ? 
Who  can  restore  the  fond  father,  to  live  dear  help- 
less babes?  Cruel  death!  Inexorable  monster!' 
What  hast  thou  done  ? — But  the  Lord  reigneth, 
and  we  will  be  still. 

The  present  dispensation  is  not  only  solemn  and 
affecting,  but  it  is  likewise  alarming.  It  has  a 
loud  voice  :  not  to  attend  to  it,  would  be  highly 
criminal.  It  speaks  to  us  all.  Death  always 
speaks  loudly  ;  but  some  deaths  louder  than  oth- 
ers. The  present  speaks  loud  enough  to  be  heard 
BY  THIS  CHCJRCH  AND  CONGREGATION.  Methinks, 
with  strong  emphasis,  it  now  saith  Unto  you,  O 
men  OF  THIS  place,  I  call.  You  have  had  a 
great  loss  ;  but  is  there  not  a  cause  ?  God  forbid 
that  I  should  charge  the  death  of  your  minister 
upon  you  !  Yet  I  know  it  is  possible  for  a  people 
to  murder  their  minister  ;  and  that  by  the  most 
cruel  means.  There  needs  neither  the  poison 
nor  the  dagger  ;  it  may  be  done  effectually  with- 
out either.  I  hope  it  is  quite  inapplicable  ;  but 
it  may  not  be  altogether  useless,  to  ask,  Are  there 
r.one  of  you3  who  have  pierced  him  through  with 
many  sorrows  ?  Has  his  heart  never  been   wrung 


8  Oration  at  the  Grave  of 

by  your  unkindness  r   Has  your  misbehaviour,  it* 

your  Christian  profession,  never  caused  him  to 
sav,  O  that  I  had  in  the  wilderness,  a  lodging- place 
of  zvay faring  men,  that  I  might  leave  my  people 
and gs  frcm  them.  Jer.  ix.  2.  r  Though  I  thus 
speak,  I  .am  sur.»  it  has  no  general  application. 
Few  men  were  better  beloved  by  their  people  than 
he  was.  Your  many  prayers  for  his  recovery  ; 
your  tender  solicitude  for  his  welfare  ;  y 
present  evident  distress,  all  speak  for  you  :  your 
tears  do  you  honour-  But  let  me  speak  it  again  ; 
should  there  be  a  cruel  individual  amongst  you, 
to  whom  the  charge  applies,  I  would  not  for  a 
world,  be  that  man  :  He  must  answer  for  it  in 
another  day.     God  will  avenge  his  own  elect. 

Where  this  has  not  been  the  case  ;  where  noth- 
ing but  kindness  marked  your  behaviour  towards 
your  departed  friend  ;  has  he  had  do  occasion  to 
weep  in  secret  on  your  account,  because  thoi: 
you  esteemed  the  man,  you  nealectedhis  messa- 
Vh  brethren  !  it  is  to  be  feared,  unless  your  state, 
as  a  church  and  congregation,    be  singular,    that 

;  word  preached  did  not  profit  all  of  you,  Some 
■S  you  may  yet  be   in  your  sins.      God  has  borne 

ig  with  you;  but  he  may  have  been  weary  of 
forbearing  ;  he  may  have  been  angry  at  your  in- 
fidelity ;  and  in  judgment  taken  away  his  servant. 
I  do  not  say  this  is  the  case  ;  but  if  it  be  only  a 
possible  case,  it  should  cause  searchtngs  of  heart 
amongst  you. 

It  is  a  providence  that  speaks  to  us  all,  as  MORTAL 
MEN.  In  a  little  time,  according  to  the  rornmon 
course  of  nature,  the  place  that  now  know*  us? 
shall  know  us  no  more.  Time  with  rapid  wing, 
bears  us  away  to  that  place,  where  no  device  nor 
work  is  foui>d  ;  to  that  state,  where  there  is  no 
distinction,  but  that  of  just  and  unjust.  But  ipbp 
can  reckon  upon  the  common  extent  of  human 
1   Behold,  before  our  eyes,  a  young  nao,  whe 


the  Hev.  Samuel  Pmrce.  9 

had  not  lived  out;  half  his  days,  called  to  eternity, 
in  *ht  thirty-fourth  year  of  his  life.  Should  not 
this  awaken  our  concern,  and  excite  us  to  make 
that  important  inquiry,  Who  shai*l  be  the  next  ? 
He  who  bids  the  fairest  for  length  of  years,  may 
be  the  first  to  fall.  Let  us  then  so  number  our 
days,  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 
We  will  now  "  turn  to  the  bright  reverse  of  this 
mortifying  scene."  We  have  hitherto  looked  at 
the  dark  side  of  the  cloud,  let  us  now  contemplate 
its  luminous  one. 

Death  we  admit  is  a  penalty — by  sin  came  death* 
Death  is  an  enemy — the  lust  enemy  ;  but,  blessed 
be  God,  he  is  a  conquered  enemy.  The  Captain 
of  our  salvation  has  destroyed  him  who  had  the 
power  of  death.  Influenced  by  the  faith  of  God's 
elect,  believers  in  all  ages  hate  triumphed  over 
death;  they  have  sang  with  their  expiring  breath, 
and  exulted  amidst  th?  swellings  of  Jordan. 

Death  <s  amongst  the  privileges  of  the  children 
of  God.  JJeaik  i&  7jgurs,  H*J  K*ee*s  them  &8  ci 
friend,  as  an  envoy  commissioned  by  their  heaven- 
ly Father,  to  bring  them  to  his  throne.  Our  eyes 
have  frequent  beheld  the  victory  of  faith,  id  the 
dark  valley.  Assaulted  on  either  hand  by  pale 
disease,  and  its  long  train  of  attendants,  we  have 
seen  good  men  rising  superior  to  all  the  evils  of 
the;r  situation;  feeling  au  majesty  in  death  ;" 
and  entering  the  eternal  world,  shouting,  Thanks 
be  to  God  who  hath  given  us  the  victory. 

This  is  Lot  all.  The  total  destruction  of  death 
is  laid  in  the  irreversible  counsel  of  the  Most 
High.  The  last  enemy  shall  be  destroyed.  Death 
himself  must  die.  The  tabernacle  of  God  shall  he 
with  men  ;  he  will  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their 
eyes  ;  and  there  >hail  be  no  more  death,  i  he  sea 
shall  give  up  its  dead,  and  those  that  are  in 
graves  shall  come  forth.  Then  the  Lord  Jesus 
Vill  make  his  triumph   complete,  and  cast  < 


J.Q  Oration  at  the  Grave  of 

and  bell  into  the  lake  of  fire  and  brimstone.  The 
re-animated  dust  of  the  redeemed  shall  then  be 
perfectly  released  from  the  bondage  of  corruption, 
and  made  like  unto  the  glorious  body  of  their  great 
Head  :  the  whole  number  of  the  elect  shall  then 
be  presented  before  the  presence  of  the  divine  glo- 
ry, with  exceeding  great  joy 

One  grand  indispensable  inquiry  yet  remains.— 
By  what  means  may  we  attain  to  the  resurrection 
of  the  just?  In  search  of  this  important  subject, 
we  are  not  left  to  wander  in  the  maze  of  uncertain- 
ty and  doubt ;  the  way  into  the  holiest  is  made  man- 
ifest.  There  are  three  things  absolutely  requisite 
for  a  man  to  be  acquainted  with,  before  he  can  en- 
ter into  life. 

First,  The  pardon  of  our  sins.  The  scripture 
proposes  this  unspeakable  gift  by  the  blood  of  Je- 
sus. We  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  even 
the  forgiveness  of  our  sins.     Ephes.  i.  7. 

Secondly,  The  justification  of  our  persons. 
Provision  for  which  is  made  by  the  obedWoc*  o£ 
the  Son  of  God.  He  is  the  end  of  the  law  for 
righteousness  to  every  one  that  believeth  Rom.  x. 
4. 

Thirdly,  The  sanctification  of  our  nature. 
Jesus  is  of  God  made  unto  us  sanctification.  1. 
Cor.  i.  30.  By  the  influence  of  his  Spirit  upon 
our  hearts,  "  we  are  made  partakers  of  the  divine 
nature  ;  sanctified  in  body,  sous  and  spirit  ;  and 
changed  thus  into  the  divine  image,  as  by  the 
Spirit  of  our  God."     2  Cor,  iii.  8. 

This  is  the  only  method  of  salvation  counte- 
nanced in  scripture  ;  and  it  seems  a  method, 
%i  just  to  God,  a«)d  safe  to  man.?1 

To  conclude.  Though  we  sorrow  to-day,  we 
do  not  sorrow  as  those  who  have  no  hope.  God, 
who  has  taken  away  our  dear  brother,  will  take  care 
of  his.  Be  will  be  a  husband  to  the  forlorn  wid- 
ow,  and  a  father  to  the  dear  tender  babes.     A 


the  Rev.  Samuel  Pea'rce. '  II 

good  man  leaveth  an  inheritance  to  his  children's 
children.  God  will  provide  ;  he  will  surely  do 
them  good  ;  he  has  the  hearts  of  all  men  in  his 
hands  ;  he  will  raise  up  friends  for  them  ;  and 
eventually  make  it  appear,  that  even  this  dark  dis- 
pensation, is  amongst  the  all  things,  that  work  to«» 
gether  for  good. 

He  that  has  the  government  upon  his  shoulders, 
will  take  care  of  you,  my  br.*hren,  as  a  church. 
A  pastor  is  provided  for  you  ;  and  he  who  knows 
him,  will  bring  him  amongst  you  in  his  own  way, 
and  time.  Trust  in  the  Lord  ;  he  will  never  for- 
sake Zion  ;  her  walls  are  ever  before  him.  Take 
his  word  for  jour  ru'e  ;  live  according  to  the 
same  ;  seek  him  by  prayer  and  supplication  :  and 
you  shall  yet  praise  him. 

We  now  bid  farewell,  a  long  farewell,  to  the 
sleeping  dust  of  our  departed  brother  :  but,  bless- 
ed be  God,  though  it  be  a  long  farewell,  it  will 
not  be  an  everlasting  one.  We  shall  meet  again,. 
What  we  are  to-day  sowing  in  dishonour,  shall  bo 
raised  in  giory.  The  trumpet  shall  sound  ;  our 
brother  will  arise  ;  we  shall  meet,  no  more  to  par% 
When  Jesus  comes,  he  will  bring  all  his  saints 
with  him.  Comfort  ye  one  another  with  thess 
things* 


SERMON 

Occasioned  by  the  Death  of 

The  Rev.  SAMUEL  PEARCE,  A.  M\ 


John  xiv.  is. 

I   WILL  NOT  LEAVE  YOU  COMFORTLESS.   I 
WILL  COME  UNTO  YOUo 

SO  deeply  am  I  sensible  of  the  loss  sustained 
by  this  church  in  general,  not  to  say  by  the  nesr- 
est  relative  of  my  dear  departed  brother,  that  on  a 
partial  view  of  their  circumstances,  (and  our  views, 
especially  of  afflictive  events,  are  too  commonly 
partial)  I  could  not  he  surprised,  were  some  now 
present  ready  to  exclaim,  "  Is  there  any  sorrow 
like  unto  our  sorrow,  wherewith  the  Lord  has  tins 
day  afflicted  us  V%  But  though  I  scarcely  know 
where  a  church  could  sustain  an  equal  loss,  by  the 
removal  ofsoyounga  pastor  ;  nor  can  !  I 
there  exists  a  widow,  ivli  sm  death  bag  plundi  red 
Of  a  richerstcre  of  blessings,   bv  taking  from  bei 


14  The  Presence  of  Christ 

and  from  her  infant  care,  the  guide  of  their  youth  ; 
yet,  on  more  mature  consideration,  we  must  not 
admit  that  lamentation  to  be  applicable,  even  to 
them  that  feel  the  most  pungent  grief  in  this  as* 
ieiiibly.  The  event  which  has  occasioned  our 
present  meeting,  must  deeply  affect  even  stran- 
gers, whose  hearts  know  how  to  feel  ;  but  all  the 
dearest  friends  of  the  deceased  must  acknowledge, 
that  the  days  of  tribulation,  which  preceded  this 
mournful  evening,  were  not  the  season  of  display- 
ing the  Lord's  anger,  but  of  the  clear  manifesta- 
tion of  his  faithfulness  and  love  :  They  were  to 
him  the  days  of  heaven  upon  earth.  Surely  they 
who  drank  with  him  the  deepest  out  of  his  cup  of 
affliction,  could  find  no  savour  of  the  curse,  no, 
not  at  the  bottom  ;  nor  could  they  drink  the  bit- 
ter, without  testing  also  of  the  sweet,  which  was 
not  sparingly  dront  into  it,  but  copiously  infused. 
And  after  such  proofs  and  illustrations  of  the  di- 
vine fidelity,  I  cannot  but  believe,  that  she  who 
needs  them  most  of  all,  shall  find  farther  stores  of 
consolation  laid  up  for  her  relief  :  since  God  her 
Maker  is  her  husband,  who  giveth  songs  in  the 
night. 

This  church  also  must  be  reminded,  that  there 
was  a  church  at  Jerusalem,  near  eighteen  centu- 
ries ago,  which  sustained  a  loss  unspeakably  grea- 
ter than  that  which  they  no.v  bewail  ;  while  yet 
the  sorrow,  which  was  then  endured,  was  quickly 
turned  into  joy.  And  your  affectionate  pastor, 
who,  both  in  health  and  in  sickness,  cared  so  much 
for  yc^.r  welfare,  did  not  hesitate  to  recommend 
to  your  attention,  the  kind  assurance  which  was 
given  for  their  relief  ;  as  believing  it  to  contain 
ground  of  encouragement,  on  which  you  also  are 
authorized  to  depend.  He  who  said  to  his  dear 
disciples,  6<  I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless  or- 
phans, t  wil!  cone  unioi/cu"  has  the  same  respec- 
to  his  whols  chu-c!'  ;r:  every  age  :  and  you,    mj 


a  Source  of  Consolation.  lu 

brethren,  may  as  safely  rely  on  his  gracious  prom- 
ise, as  his  very  apostles. 

Yes,  beloved,  we  are  authorized  to  make  a  gen- 
eral application  of  this  word  of  consolation  ;  and 
must  affirm,  That  the  promised  presence  ot  the 
blessed  Redeemer  is  the  best  source  of  comfort,  to 
all  his  people,  in  every  time  of  trouble. 

In  complying  with  the  request  of'  my  dear  de- 
ceased brother,  I  shall  first  consider  the  subject 
in  reference  to  those,  to  whom  it  was  immediately 
addressed,  and  then  endeavour  to  apply  it  to  the 
present  occasion. 

FlRSTV  Let  us  notice  the  immediate  reference 
oi  tills  declaration,  to  our  Lord's  disciples,  who 
were  then  favoured  with  his  bodily  presence. 

You  are  well  aware  that  the  words  I  have  read 
were  spoken  by  the  blessed  Jesus,  to  those  who 
followed  him  in  the  days  of  his  humiliation  ;  and 
that  when  he  thus  addressed  them,  sorrow  had  fill- 
ed their  hearts,  because  he  had  just  announced 
his  approaching  departure.  He  came  from  the 
Father,  and  was  come  into  the  world,  and  though 
the  world  w  s  made  by  him,  yet  the  world  knew 
him  not  ;  but  he  had  made  himself  knovvn  to  these 
his  disciples,  whom  he  ha\d  chosen  out  of  the 
world  ;  and  now  when  he  was  about  to  leave  them, 
and  go  unto  the  Father,  though  his  stupid  and  un- 
grateful countrymen  would  rather  rejoice  at  his 
leaving  the  earth,  than  bewail  it,  yet  his  disciples 
could  not  but  weep  and  lament  and  be  sorrowful ; 
and  surely,  well  they  might,  at  the  thought  of  lo- 

g  such  an  invaluable  Friend  ! 

Especially  we  might  expect  this  to  be  the  case, 
A  we  rcfieet  on  the  manner  in  whieh  he  was  to  be 
removed  from  them.  They  were  to  see  him  false- 
ly accused,  unjustly  condemned,  and  cruelly  mur- 
dered ;  being  nailed  to  the  cross  with  wicked 
hands,  suspended  between  two  thieves,  and  while 
thus  numbered  with  transgressors,  insulted  and 


16  The  Presence  of  Christ 

rided  In  his  last  agonies.     Yes,  he  would  be  treat- 
ed as  the   object  of  national    abhorrence  and  exe- 
cration, and  that  by  the  only  people  upon  earth, 
who  professed  to  be   the  worshippers  of  the  true 
Cod.      And   his   disciples  must    either  view  this 
barbarous  treatment  of  their  blessed  Lord,  or  hide 
themselves  from  the  shocking  scene,  by  forsaking 
him   in  the  boar  of  distress.     In  the  mean  while, 
he  was  also   apparently  abandoned   by  God    him- 
self, the  zeal   of  whose  house  had  consumed  him  ; 
the  Lord  was  pleased  to  bruise  him,    and  put  him 
^o  grief  ;   he  was  resolved  to  make  his  soul   an  of- 
fering for  sin,  and  therefore  he  called  on  his  sword 
To  awake  against  him,  who  was  their  good    Shep- 
herd ;  though  he  was  one  in  covenant,    yea,  one 
in  nature  with   himself;  who  could  without  rob- 
bery claim   equality    with  God.     What   could  be 
more  surprizing,  distressing  and  perplexing  to  his 
disciples,  than  such  a  series  of  events  ! 

While  Jesus  was  with  them  he  had  fed  them, 
and  kept  them  as  a  shepherd  doth  his  flock  ;  he 
ftad  laid  them  like  lambs  in  his  bosom,  and  led 
them  on  gradually  in  the  paths  of  truth  and  righte- 
ousness, as  they  were  able  to  bear  it.  He  had 
been  gentle  among  them,  as  a  nursing  father  is 
gentle  towards  his  little  children;  pitying  theiv 
infirmities,  rectifying  their  mistakes,  supplying 
'heir  wants,  healing  their  maladies  ;  manifesting 
•o  them  his  Father's  will, and  keeping  them  in  his 
name  :  and  must  they  now  lose  his  visible  pres- 
ence, and  see  him  no  more  ? 

He  had  been  little  more  than  .three  an  I  thirty 
ears  in  the  world,  and  most  of  them  had  known 
but  a  very  small  part  of  that  period  ;  they 
had,  however,  now  beheld  his  glory,  and  were 
convinced  thai  it  was  the  glory  of  the  only  begot* 
ten  of  tM  Father,  full  of  grace  and  truth.  They 
were  sat  siied  thin  he  alone  had  the  words  of  ete:- 
mj  life;  thev  brlieved  and    knew  that  he  was  ttc 


a  Source  of  Consolation. 

Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God  ;  though  at  pres- 

;  they  understood  but  imperfectly  that  plan  of 
redemption,  which  rendered  it  expedient  and  ne- 
cessary, that  he  should  suffer  a!i  things  and  then 
enter  into  glory.  This  remaining  ignorance  must 
abundantly  enhance  their  grief,  at  the  intimations 
given  them  of  his  departure  being  at  hand.*" 

But  in  these  words,  their  gracious  Lord  suggests', 
that  they  had   no  occasion  to  sink  under  their   soy- 

•  s.  He  <vould  not  leave  them  comfort-ess,  like 
destitute  orphans,  who  had  no  affectionate  patent, 

wise  tutor,  no  faithful  guardian,  to  supply  their 
wants,  sympathize  with  them,  protect  them  from 
evil,  or  instruct  them  in    the  way    of  duty.     Nos 

had  promised  them  his  Holy  Spirit,  to  be  their 
Comforter  and  Monitor  ;  and  here  he  engages  also, 
to  come  again  to  them  himself  ;  /  will  come  unto 
you,  saith  our  Lord.  This  promise  was  fulfilled 
to  them  in  several  ways — 

1.  In  his  repeated  appearance?  to  them,  after 
his  resurrection.     Thus  as  he  suggests  in  the  next 

*  The  conceptions  of  the  disciples,  on  the  subject  of 
Christ's  atoning  sacrifice,  "appear  to  have  been  much  less 
distinct  than  those  of  David,  Isaiah,  and  many  of  the  Old 
Testament  saints,  who  lived  before  the  declension  of  the 
Jewish  church  ;  which  appears  to  have  lost  much  of  its 
spiritual  light,  and  to  have  become  more  and  more  carnali- 
zed, from  the  days  of  Malachi,  till  the  coming  of  our  Lore}. 
And  it  seemed  necessary  that  this  general  declension,  and 
ignorance  of  the  nature  of  the  Mesiah's  character  and  king- 
dom should  be  suffered  to  take  place,  in  order  to  the  fu'fil- 
ment  of  prophecy,  in  the  death  of  our  Saviour,  by  the  hands 
of  his  own  countrymen  ;  so  there  was  an  expediency,  and  a 
display  of  wisdom  in  concealing  from  the  disciples  the  ne- 
cessity and  glorious  design  of  Christ's  Death,  that  they 
might  not  rejoice  in  so  awful  an  event,  till  after  it  was  over : 
had  their  ideas  been  clear  on  this  head,  they  must  have  re- 
joiced in  his  sufferings  at  the  very  time  of  them  ;  but  i< 
beemed  more  fitting  that  they  should  mourn  then,  and  thai 
their  sorrow  shou'd  be  turned  i-n^o  joy,  aftfci  his  re^urrer*. 
tion. 

B  b 


18  The  Presence  of  Christ 

vers?,  although  in  a  little  while,  the  world  should 
see  him  no  more,  yet  they  should  tee  him  ;  and 
that  sight  should  he  the  pledge  that  his  wo/ds 
should  hold  good,  u  Because  I  five,  yeshall  live  a1- 
so."  Accordingly  the  Evangelists  attest,  that  he 
"{  shewed  himself  alive  after  his  passion,  by  many 
infallible  proofs,  unto  the  Apostles  whom  he  had 
chosen,  being  seen  of  them  forty  days,"  before  he 
was  taken  up  into  glory  '.  for  God  who  raised  him 
up,  the  th.rd  day  after  his  crueiiixion,  "  shewed 
him  openly,  not  to  all  the  people,  but  unto  wit- 
nesses chosen  before  of  God,  even  to  us,"  says  Pe- 
ter, "  who  did  eat  and  drink  with  him  after  he 
rose  from  the  dead  ;  whom  he  commanded  to 
preach  unto  the  people,  and  to  testify  that  he  is 
appointed  to  be  the  Judge  of  the  living  and  the 
dead  ;  and  thai  to  him  all  the  prophets  gave  wit- 
ness, that  through  his  name,  whosoever  believeth 
in  him,  shall  receive  remissions  of  sips,"  There* 
fore,  though  he  soon  left  then)  again,  being  carried 
up  into  heaven,  yet  their  understandings  having 
been  opened  by  him,  that  they  might  understand 
the  scriptures,  and  see  how  it  behoved  him  to  suf- 
fer, arid  to  rise  again,  "  they  worshipped  him, 
-.vhen  he  was  parted  fiom  them,  and  returned  to 
Jerusalem  with  great  joy,"  where  they  waited  to 
to  be  endued  with  power  from  on  high,  and  receiv- 
ed thepromised  effusion  of  the  Spirit,  not  many 
days  afterward.     But, 

2.  It  received  a  more  permanent  accomplish- 
ment, in  the  continued  enjoyment  of  his  spiritual 
Presence  and  divine  Influence.  We  fully  ascer- 
tain this  priviledge  to  be  included  in  the  text,  by 
•comparing  this  promise,  I  will  come  unto  you,  with 
those  declarations,  recorded  by  Matthew,  which  ad- 
mit of  no  solution  without  the  acknowledgment  of 
Christ's  proper  divinity  :  "Where  two  or  three 
are  gathered  together  in  my  nar?ie,  thre  am  1 ,  in 
the  midst  of  them*  ■  And)  lo  I  1  am  -with  you  aU 
ways  to  the  end  of  the  world*     Amen?* 


a  Source  of  Consolation.  1& 

3.  At  the  end  of  the  world,  it  shall  receive  a 
farther  fulfilment,  by  our  Lord's  coming  again  in 
that  human  nature,  which  "  it  behoved  heaven  to 
receive,  until  the  times  of  restitution  of  all  things 
of  which  God  spake  by  the  mouth  of  his  holy 
prophets,  since  the  world  began."  Then  he  who 
went  to  prepare  a  place  for  his  disciples,  and  all 
his  subsequent  followers,  will  come  again,  and  re- 
ceive them  to  himself;  that  where  he  is,  there 
they  may  be  also.  Then  they  who  were  troubled 
for  their  adherence  to  his  cause,  shall  enter  into 
rest  :  when  the  Lord  Jesus  shall  be  revealed  from 
heaven.  At  that  same  period,  will  he  take  ven- 
geance on  them  who  know  not  God,  and  who  o- 
bey  not  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Chrisr,  and 
punish  them  with  everlasting  destruction  ;  when 
he  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his  saints  ,  and  ad- 
mired in  all  them  who  believe.  For  God  will 
bring  with  him  them  who  now  sleep  in  Jesus, 
while  the  believers  who  remain,  atthat  time,  alive 
upon  earth,  shall  feel  a  change  pass  upon  their 
bodies,  to  render  them  like  those  who  are  newly 
raised  from  the  dead,  and  all"  shall  be  caught  up 
together  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air,  and  so  shall 
we  ever  be  with  the  Lo**d.  Wherefore,"  says 
Paul,  "  comfort  one  another  with  these  words." 
He  who  testified  these  things  to  his  disciples, 
while  he  was  yet  with  them,  repeated  his  promise 
long  afterwards,  to  his  servant  John,  saying, 
%c  Surely,  I  come  quickly."  May  we  unite  with 
that  beloved  disciple,  iu  saying,  "  Amen.  Even 
so  come,  Lord  Jesus." 

And  now,  my  brethren,  if  this  assurance  was 
sufficient  to  relieve  the  minds  of  the  Apostles, 
when  they  lost  the  bodily  presence  of  their  Divine 
blaster,  m^y  wo  not  safely  proceed 

Secondly,  To  apply  the  same  consolation  to 
iiie  relief  of  those  who  are    most  affected    by   the 

re  bereaving  providence 


20  The  Presence  of  Christ 

This  Church  has  lost  a  most  diligent,  faithful, 
affectionate  and  valuable  Pastor  ;  and  far  be  it 
from  me  to  make  light  of  your  Iosf..  All  those 
churches  who  knew  him  only  by  occasional  vis- 
its, all  good  men  who  had  an  opportunity  of appre- 
dating  his  worth,  must  sympathize  with  you; 
while  they  grieve  to  think  that  they  themselves, 
who  saw  his  face  so  seldom,  shall  see  it  no  more. 
His  brethren  in  the  ministry,  who  enjoyed  the 
pleasure  and  advantage  of  his  friendship  and  cor- 
respondence, feel  a  loss  which  they  will  ever  de- 
plore. How  then  must  you  regret  his  removal, 
who  were,  many  of  vou,the  seals  of  his  ministry  ; 
who  of  all  you,  hoped  long  to  enjoy  his  constant 
labours  ;  and  for  whose  welfare  he  laid  himself 
out,  with  such  unremitting  assiduity  ?  The  Pas- 
tor whose  absence  you  mourn,  possessed  such  an 
assemblage  of  lovely  graces  and  acceptable  qualifi- 
cations, as  are  found  united  but  seldom,  even  in 
truly  Christian  ministers.  He  had  the  firmest  at- 
tachment to  evangelical  truth,  and  the  most  con- 
stant regard  to  practical  godliness  ;  he  united  re- 
markable soundness  of  judgment,  with  uncommon 
warmth  of  affections.  I  never  saw,  at  leas \  in 
one  of  his  years,  such  active,  ardent  zeal,  con- 
joined with  such  gentleness,  modesty  and  deep 
humility  ;  so  much  of  the  little  child>  and  so 
much  of  the  Kvangelist,  I  can  scarcely  forbare  say- 
ing, of  the  Apostle  of  Jesus  Christ.  I  know  not 
how  to  flatter  vou,  with  the  hope  of  obtaining  an- 
other minister  5  or  myself,  with  the  expectation 
ef  finding  another  friend,  in  whom  all  these  char- 
ming qualities  shall  be  found,  in  an  equal  degree. 
He  was  indeed,  "  a  burning  and  a  shining  light, 
and  we  rejoiced  in  his  light,  for  a  season  j"  but 
but  now  we  must  lament,  that  he  shines  no  more 
on  earth  ;  though  we  doubt  not,  that  he  shines  like 
the  sun,  in  the  kingdom  of  his  Father. 

While  he  abode  among  us,  his  affections   flrere 


a  Source  of  Consolation.  2 1 

evidently  and  eminently  in  heaven  ;  his  work, 
his  family,  and  his  people,  were  the  only  objects 
of  regard,  which  made  him  willing  to  forego  the 
bliss  of  the  eternal  world.  And  when  he  per- 
ceived that  it  was  the  Lord's  will  he  should  depart, 
yoar  welfare  was  still  his  chief  concern.  For 
your  consolation  and  benefit,  he  wished  this  pas- 
sage  to  be  considered  at  his  funeral.  He  once  al- 
luded to  another  scripture,  but  laying  that  aside 
lest  it  should  occasion  too  much  being  said  of 
himself,  he  fixed  upon  this  ;  remarking,  u  If  he 
comes  to  you,  all  will  be  well,  you  need  not  re- 
gret my  removal. "  So  you  see,  brethren,  the 
design  of  your  dear  Pastor  was  to  encourage 
you  to  claim  a  share  in  the  promised  presence  of 
the  Redeemer  ;  which  he  knew  extended  to  all 
his  churches,  and  to  even  individual  believer. 
He  ptrceivedthat  he  was  going  to  leave  you,  he 
could  not  promise  to  come  again  to  you,  though  it 
was  his  great  consolatiou  to  hope  that  you,  in  suc- 
cession, will  follow  him  ;  and  meanwhile,  the 
presence  of  his  great  Master,  as  to  his  divine  na- 
ture, and  the  increasing  influence  ot  his  Spirit, 
would  be  a  sufficient  compensation  for  any  loss 
youcould  sustain  by  his  departure.  The  spiritu- 
al presence  of  Christ  could  make  up  for  the  want 
of  his  bodily  presence,  to  those  who  knew  what  it 
was  to  enjoy  the  latter  ;  it  must  then  assuredly  be 
sufficient  to  supply  the  absence  of  any  under- 
shepherd.  With  this  thought  my  dear  brother 
consoled  himself,  in  the  beginning  of  his  illness; 
•'  \iy.  said  he,  in  a  letter  written  the  first  Lord's 
day  that  he  was  confined  from  public  worship,  tv  if 
I  am  to  depart  hence,  to  be  no  more  seen,  1  know 
the  Lord  can  earn'  on  his  own  cause  as  well  with- 
out me  as  with  me  ;  he  who  redeemed  the  sheep 
with  his  blood,  will  never  suffer  them  to  peri 
for  want  of  shepherding,  especially,  since  He  him- 
self is  the  chief  Shepherd  of  souls." 


22  The  Presence  of  Christ 

Let  me  therefore  attempt  to  assist  you  by  di- 
recting you*  attention  to  the  grounds  on  which 
you  may  safely  expect  the  fulfilment  of  the  prem- 
ise, the  magnitude  of  the  promise  itself,  and 
the  consequent  obligations  under  which  you  are 
laid  by  it. 

1.  Consider  the  ground  on  which  you  may 
safely  build  an  expectation  that  our  Lord  Jesus 
will  come  unto  you. 

Our  Lord's  ability  to  make  good  such  a  promise^ 
must  here  be  noticed.  Not  only  had  he  an  inher- 
ent power  to  lay  down  his  life,  and  to  take  it  up  a- 
gain,  inconsequence  of  which  he  spent  forty  days 
with  his  disciples,  before  his  ascension  •,  but  he 
has  power  to  perform  his  standing  engagements 
with  his  whole  church,  of  being  with  them,  alway, 
to  the  end  of  the  world,  whenever,  and  wherever, 
two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  his  name  ; 
which  promises  must  be  connected  with  the  text 
to  enable  you  to  claim  any  part  in  the  consolation 
it  will  administer.  Some  modern  enthusiasts, 
(who  can  believe  anything  which  does  not  imply 
that  they  are  so  guilty  as  to  need  the  incarnate 
Son  of  God  to  make  an  atonement  for  their  sins, 
by  his  precious  blood)  have  fancied  that  the  body 
of  Jesus,  v.Tho,  according  to  them,  was  a  mere  man 
uke  ourselves,  ascending  no  higher  than  the  at- 
mosphere, which  surrounds  the  earth,  and  that  he 
occasionally  descends  from  thence  to  this  globe, 
to  visit  invisibly  and  one  at  a  time,  the  vari 
congregations  of  Christians.  This  idea,  it  has 
been  said,  "  cannot  possibly  do  us  any  harm  ;': 
but,  alas!   it  can  do    us    but  little    good.      If   the 

.  iour  should  thus  visit  all  those  who  are  called 
by  hisname,  our  turn  to  be  so  favoured  may  occuv 
but  once  in  a  life-time  ;  or  whether  they  who  have 
invented  this  solution  of  Matt  xviii.  20,  would 
admit  us,  whom  they  represen:  as  irrational  idol- 
aters, to  enjoy  any  share  in  his  visits,  I  know  not. 


c  Source  of  Consolation.  23 

Nor  would   it  be   of    consequence,    whether   it 
wt    e  granted  or  denied  :  -    surveying 

trt   to  us  no 
High- Priest 
be,  incite  exaltfcd  sense,  the  Son  of 

God,  who  is  H  passed  through"  *  these  lower 
heavens,  and  is  "  made  higher  than  the  .heavens," 
having  "  ascended  up  far  above  Sail  heavens,  that 
he  might/?//  all  things"  (according  to  the  passage 
which  we  heard  explained  this  morningf)  and,  if 
M  all  power  be  given  unto  him,  in  heaven  and  in 
earth,"  then,  my  brethren,  your  faith  stands  upon 
a  firm  foundation.  He  who,  when  he  was  upon 
earth,  as  to  his  humanity,  could  speak  of  himself 
as  being  "  in  heaven  ;,?  can  as  easily  grant  you 
the  presence  of  his  Divinity,  now  his  human  na- 
ture is  in  the  world  above. 

Let  the  extent  of  his  regard  to  his  church,  be  al- 
so remembered.  In  his  last  prayer  with  his  disci- 
ples, he  prayed  not  alone  for  them  who  were  pres- 
ent, but  for  all  who  should  believe  through  their 
word.  And  4i  he  ever  livcth,  to  make  intercession 
forallj  them,  who  come  unto  God  by  him."     In 

*Dielelulhota  lous  ou/ianous*  Heb.  iv.  14.  vii,  26.  Epl  , 
iv.  9,  10. 

f  By  brother  West,  of  Wantage. 

\  Entugchancin  ufier  anion.  Heb.  viii.  25.  Mr.  Bel* 
sham,  a  professed  advocate  of  rational  religion,  supposes 
that  the  writers  of  the  New-Testament  themselves,  a7u?exed 
no  very  distinct  idea  to  the  phrase  of  Christ's  making  inter 
cession,  because  Entugchanein.he  observes,  expresses  any 
interference  of  one  person,  for  or  against  another.  It  is  true, 
that  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  Paul  mentions  Christ's 
waking  intercession  FOR  us,  viii.  34  ;  and  Elijah's  making 
intercession  AGAINST  Israel  xi  2.  And  he  uses  this 
same  verb,  but  with  different  prepositions,  in  both  places. 
Bui  can  any  ambiguity  arise  from  employing  one  word,  with 
prepositions  of  opposite  import,  to  denote  opposite  things; 
Will  not  the  things  thus  opposed  rather  illustrate  each  oth- 
er ?  Entugchanein  it/ier,  is  to  pleader,  and  Entugctiqneir 


24  The  Presence  of  Christ 

every  age  hath  his  church  been  the  object  of  his 
gracious  regard  :  and  he  has  fulfilled  the  premise 
Tvhich  he  made  in  the  days  of  Zechariah,  "  Lo, 
I  come,  and  I  will  dwell  in  the  midst  of  thee, 
saith  Jehovah.  And  many  nations  shall  be  join- 
ed unto  Jehovah,  in  thatday,  andshallbe  my  peo- 
ple ;  and  I  will  dwell  in  the  midst  of  thee,  and 
thou  shalt  know  that  Jehovah  God  of  Hosts  hath 
sent  me  «nto  thee  " — To  the  primitive  church 
under  all  the  pagan  persecutions,  was  this  prom- 
ise fulfilled  ;  to  the  Waldenses  and  Albigenses  in 
the  darkest  times  of  Popery  ;  to  the  first  reform- 
ers from  Anti-christian  error,  and  to  their  faithful 
successors  ;  whether  conformist  or  non- conform- 
ist ;  in  this  Island,  on  the  continent  of  Europe,  or 
in  the  wilds  of  North-America.  And  at  this  day, 
wherever  two  or  three  assemble  in  his  name,  at 
Birmingham  or  at  Bristol,  in  London  or  at  Edin- 
burgh, in  Old  Holland  or  in  New  Holland,  at 
Mudnabatty,  or  at  Otaheite,  at  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope  or  in  Kentucky,  there  may  our  distant  breth- 
ren, as  well  as  ourselves,  expect  our  glorious 
Lord  to  fulfil  his  word,  I  will  come  unto  you. 

The  express  premises  he  has  made,  of  which  the 
text  is  one,  and  we  have  recited  several  others, 
forbid  us  to  doubt  of  the  bestowment  of  this  in- 
valuable blessing.  Jesus  is  the  "  faithful  and 
true  Witness  j  the  same  yesterday,  to-day  and  for 

EATA,  to  plead  against  ;  the  latter  phrase  is  repeatedly 
used  in  the  Maccabees,  to  express  the  act  of  coniplainirq* 
against x  bringing  an  accusation  against,  making  complaint 
against  a  person  or  persons  1.  Mac.  viif.  32.  x,  61.  63.  xi. 
25.  And  as  tins  is  the  part  of  a  prosecutor  or  accuser,  so 
the  f(  rmer  is  the  pari  of  an  advocate,  patron,  or  interces- 
sor. The  Jew  have  adopted  the  two  Greek  terms  Par- 
aktetos,  an  advocate:  used  1  John,  ii  1.  and  Kcitcgoros\  an 
accuv .-?•.  uied  Rev.  xii  10.  and  employ  both  in  the  Chaldee 
paraphrase  of  Job.  x>x:ii.  23.  "  an  Angel  is  prepared,  one 
cd7  cate  among  a  thousand  accusers  See  Outram  de  9a- 
crtfkifc    Lib*  I  II. 


a  Source  of  Consolation. 

ever.  In  him  all  the  promises  of  God  are  yea, 
and  in  him  Amen,  unto  the  glory  of  God  by  us." 
—He  assured  his  servant  Paul,  in  a  season  of  pe- 
culiar difficulty,  "My  grace  is  sufficient  forth^e  ; 
and  the  grace  which  could  suffice  for  him,  who  ac- 
counted himself  the  chief  of  sinners,  and  l^ss  than 
the  least  of  saints,  is  sufficient  for  us  also  His 
strength  is  display  ed  to  the  greatest  advantage 
in  our  weakness.  O  remember  how  it  was  lately 
displayed  in  the  weakness,  the  extreme  weakness 
of  your  dear  dying  Pastor,  on  whom  the  power  of 
Christ  so  visibly  rested.  When  his  heart  and 
flesh  were  failing,  how  did  he  rejoice  in  God  his 
Saviour,  as  the  strength  of  his  heart,  and  his  por 
tion  for  ever!  And  is  there  a  mourner  present, 
so  feeble,  so  disconsolate,  so  bereaved  of  every 
created  source  of  bliss,  as  that  this  grace  nU  not 
suffice  for  her  support  r  Or  will  he,  who  kept  his 
word  with  such  ct  punctilious  veracity5'  to  the  Hus- 
band, forget  his  promise  to  the  Widow  and  the  Fa* 
therless  ?    Assuredly  he  will  not. 

Remember, my  brethren,  the  readiness  cf  the 
Redeemer  to  hear  and  ansxver  prayer. — Though 
Paul  besought  him  thrice  upon  one  subject,  be - 
fore  he  received  animmedia.te  reply,  the  promise 
was  fulfilled  even  before  it  was  pronounced  ;  he, 
like  one  who  lived  long  before  him,  and  like  myr- 
iads who  have  since  made  trial  of  the  same  re- 
source, was  "  strengthened  with  strength  in  his 
soul,"  before  the  Saviour  expressly  declared,  u  My 
strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness/"  Continue 
therefore  instant  in  prayer.  Remember  the  appa- 
rent rebuffs  encountered  at  first  by  the  woman  of 
Canaan,  and  how  amply  her  faith  was  answered  ai 
last.  Did  not  Jesus  inculcate  this  maxim,  *'that 
men  ought  always  to  pray,  and  not  to  faint  ;*'  and 
spake  3  parable  to  illustrate  and  enforce  that  duty  ? 
Rich  blessings,  !  re  still  in  reserve  for  you, 

■iti  answer  f.o   the  many  fervent  petitions,  wh 

C 


26  The  Presence  of  Christ 

your  dear  Pastor  offered  up  on  your  behalf,  from 
the  time  of  his  first  acquaintance  with  this  Church, 
and  during  better  than  nine  years,*  wherein  he 
has  more  fully  undertaken  the  oversight  of  you  in 
the  Lord.  May  you  yourselves  pray  without  ceas- 
ing, and  plead  with  the  Lord  his  own  exceeding 
great  and  precious  promises,  which  wili  be  found 
to  contain  blessings  fully  proportioned  to  all  your 
necessities. 

It  was  doubtless  in  consequence  of  many  com- 
fortable evidences  that  God  has  a  number  of  spiritu- 
al xvorshippers  among  vou,  that  my  dear  brother 
was  encouraged  to  expect  this  declaration  would 
be  certainly  fulfilled  in  your  present  circumstan- 
ces. But  though  I  gladly  indulge  a  similar  con- 
fidence, yet  neither  I,  whose  personal  knowledge 
of  you  is  very  confined,  nor  he,  whose  acquainr 
tance  was  much  more  intimate  and  general,  could 
answer  for  every  professor  among  you.  From 
what  has  taken  place  in  all  the  large  congregations 
I  have  known,  1  am  afraid  lest  the  hopes  of  your 
Pastor  may  be  disappointed,  as  to  some  individu- 
als, whom  he  never  suspected,  but  whose  future 
apostacy  will  indicate  the  superficial  nature  of  their 
present  profession,  and  ensure  them  a  final  portion 
with  hypocrites  and  unbelievers.  Greatly  shall  I 
rejoice,  if  not  cue  such  character  should  ever  be 
found  among  you  ;  but  to  render  the  consolation, 
in  the  text  more  certain  in  its  personal  application* 
I  must  exhort  you  to  examine  and  prove  your  own 
selves,  and  to  give  all  diligence  to  make  your  cal- 
ling and  election  sure.  Unless  you  are  such  of 
whom  God  disapproves,  Christ  is  in  you,  tin-  hope 
of  glory  ;  he  dwells  in  your  hearts  by  faith,  and 
you  begin  to  be  conformed  to  his  lovely  image. 
You  account  mental  nearness  to  God  the  chief 
good.  You  value  communion  with  him  above  all  . 
the  world  Is  not  this  the  case,  my  brethren  ?  I 
trust  you  can  say  with  the  Psalmist,    Whom  have 

*  lie  was  ordained,  August,  1790. 


a  Source  of  Consolation.  27 

I  in  heaven  but  thee,  and  there  is  none  upon  earth 
that  I  desire  besides  thee.  Fear  not,  that  the 
Lord  will  frustrate  the  desires  his  own  Spirit  has 
excited,  or  abandon  that  soul,  whose  wishes  cen- 
tre wholly  in  himself. 

In  the  mean  while,  to  increase  the  intensem  S3 
of  your  desires  after  the  presence  of  Christ,  let  us 
proceed  to  consider 

2.     The  magnitude  of  the  promise* 

Has  Christ  said,  u  1  will  come  unto  you  ?"  and 
have  you  been  told  to-night  that  his  presence  can 
make  up  every  loss  ?  Well  may  you  credit  the 
assertion,  if  you  consider  what  is  intended  by  the 
promise  in  the  text. 

It  imports  that  he  will  manifest  to  you  his  glory* 
And  O  how  delightful  the  sight!  %i  Lord  !"  said 
Jude,  "how  is  it  that  thou  wilt  manifest  thyself 
unto  us  and  not  unto  the  world  Vy  This  exclamation 
might  denote  partial  ignorance,  as  well  as  grateful 
surprise  :  but  the  secret  was  in  great  measure  ex- 
plained, when  the  Spirit  was  poured  out  from  on 
high.  Then  Paul  observed,  M  God,  who  com- 
manded the  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  hath 
shined  into  our  hearts,  to  give  the  light  of  the 
knowledge  ef  the  glory  of  God,  in  the  face  of  Je- 
sus Christ :"  so  that  while  others  have  u  their  un- 
derstandings darkened,  being  alienated  from  the 
life  of  God,  through  the  ignorance  which  is  in 
them,  because  of  the  blindness  (or  rather  the  caU 
lousness,*)  of  their  hearts  ;  we  all,  with  open  face, 
beholding,  as  in  a  mirror,  the  glory  of  the  Lord, 
are  changed  into  the  same  image,  from  glory  to 
glory,  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord." 

If  the  Lordgrantyou  his  special  presence,  you 
will  not  only  realize  his  essential  and  mediatorial 
glory,  but  be  cheered  also  with  a  lively  sense  of  his 

*D/Gtenfiorosin  tes  kardims  aufon.  Epb.  iv.  18.  Poro- 
sis concretio  quae  in  calum  fit.  In  sacris  iiteris  fiorasis 
kardias  qum  cooccalluit.     Scafiufa*    Robertson* 


The  Presence  of  Christ 

lave.  And  what  consolation  can  equal  that  which 
must  result  from  such  a  source  ?  ^  To  know  the 
love  of  Christ,  which  passeth  knowledge,"  is  a 
blessing  which  the  Apostle  considered  as  immedi- 
ately connected  with  being  u  filled  with  all  the 
fulness  of  God  ;"  and  the  besiowraent  of  which 
was  a  proof  that  he  is  u  able  to  do  exceeding  abun- 
dantly above  all  that  we  ask  or  think."  Unless 
we  could  conceive  the  full  extent  of  the  happiness 
produced  by  the  redemption  of  Christ  throughout 
the  whole  empire  of  God;  unless  we  could  com- 
prehend the  length  of  eternity,  in  which  the  feli- 
city of  the  saved  shall  be  forever  increasing,  as 
fast  as  God  shall  increase  their  capacity  of  enjoy- 
ment ;  unless  we  could  measure  the  lowest  depths 
of  hell,  from  whence  our  Saviour  has  ransomed 
us,  with  the  invaluable  price  of  his  blood  ;  and  the 
height  of  glory,  to  which  we  shall  be  raised  as  the 
reward  of  Immanuei's  obedience  ;  it  will  be  im- 
possible fully  to  conceive  the  greatness  of  his  love. 
However,  enough  may  be  known  to  convince  us 
that  his  favour  is  better  than  life,  and  to  fill  us, 
even  in  the  present  state,  amidst  all  our  outward 
trials,  and  even  our  inward  conflicts,  with  joy  un- 
speakable and  full  of  glory. 

"■  Reflect,  that  if  Christ  should  come  unto  you,  ac- 
cording to  this  gracious  promise,  he  will  communi- 
cate unto  ijQU%  more  largely,  the  supply  of  his  Spir- 
it. And  shall  not  this  fit  you  for  every  duty, 
support  you  under  every  pressure,  and  ensure  you 
the  victory  over  every  spiritual  enemy  ?  Yes,  my 
beloved,  ii"  you  enjoy  much  of  the  presence  of  Jesus, 
it  will  make  you  active  for  God,  and  excite  you 
to  every  ^ood  work.  You  will  not  be  slothful  in 
business,  but  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the  Lord. 
You  will  aim  at  the  divine  glory  in  every  thing, 
even  in  all  your  civil  employments.  You  will 
gladly  consecrate  the  gain  of  your  merchandize 
to  the  Lord,  and  honour  him  with  your  substance. 


a  Source    of  Consolation.  29 

It  will  rejoice   your    soul  to  think    that  yon   are 
6i  not  your  own,"  but  "  bought  with  a  price,"  and 
you  will  feci  yourselves  bound  to**  glorify   God, 
with  your   bodies,  and   your   spirits,    which    are 
God's  :"  nor  can  you  forbear  to  admit    his    claim 
to  all  which  you  possess  ;  for  "  the  silver  is    mine 
and  the  gold  is  mine,5,saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  and 
your  thankful  hearts  must  say,  Amen.     You    wilt 
wish  to  inscribe  on  all  your  property,   and  on  all 
your  utensils  that  blessed   motto,   Holiness  to  the 
Lord.     The  presence  of  Christ  will  inspire   you 
with  ardour,  resolution  and  zeal,   to    promote  his 
kingdom  among  men,     You  will  not  let  your  Lord's 
day-Scheois  decline;  nor  will  your  contribution  to 
the    mission,    in    which     you    stood   foremost  so 
early,  now  he  suffered  to  fall  off,  because  that  dear 
manisgone  to  glory,  who  first  excited  your  attention 
to  these  good  works  ;  but  you  will  remember  that 
Christ   himself  is  with  you,  who  walks  among    his 
golden  candlesticks,  to  notice  how  their  light  shi- 
neth  before  men,  to  the  honour  of  their   heavenly 
Father.— If  you  should  meet    with    farther     rials> 
the  presence  of  Jesus  will  suffice  to    support  you 
under  the  cross,  as  it  did  the  Apostles,   and  prim- 
itive Christians,     O    brethren!    I    pray  you    may 
liveas  se-' mg  Him    who  is  invisible-     Remember 
that  Chrut,  when  upon  earth,     couid  not  do  more 
for  liis  first  disciples,  than  he  can  now  perform  for 

you,  by  his  divine    presence.     Ah  ! if   he 

were  here,  in  his  glorified  body , .  .  or  even  in  the 
lowly  form  in  which  he  appeared  in  the  days  of  his 
humiliation,  ....  if  he  often  called  upon  you,  .  .  . 
or  you  could,  at  any  time,  resort  to  hmi  .  or  if  he 
lodged  at  your  house,  .  .  or  came  thither  as  often 
as  he  visited  the  house  cf  Lazarus,  at  Bethany  ;  .  . 
would  you  not  then  consult  him  in  every  thing 
and  always  follow  his  good  advice?  and  fear  no 
consequences,  when  you  comp!  ed  with  his  di ree- 
ls ?  And  do  you  believe  the  Divmry  of  Christ 

Ce 


30  The  Presence  of  Christ 

and  act  otherwise  now  ?  O  shameful  inconsisten- 
cy !  Look  unto  Jesus.  Look  oJfy  my  brethren f 
from  all  other  objects  ;  from  a!l  false  confidences, 
from  all  discouragements,  from  all  the  foaming 
billows,  which  threaten  to  swallow  you  up,  vnto 
Jesus.  He  is  above,  looking  down  upon  you. 
Me  is  at  hand,  ready  to  assist  you.  See,  how  he 
stretches  forth  his  arm  to  support  you,  and  keep 
you  from  sinking  in  the  deep  waters.  Separate 
from  him,  you  can  do  nothing  ;  but  the  weakest 
can  do  ail  things,  can  bear  all  burdens,  can  con- 
quer all  the  hosts  of  hell,  through  Christ  strength- 
ening him. 

If  you  are  thus  authorised  to  expect  the  pre- 
sence of  Christ,  will  lie  not  take  you  under  the  care 
of  his  providence.  How  sweet  is  the  idea  of  an  om- 
nipresent God  !  Not  a  local  Deity,  as  the  gods  of 
heathen  were  supposed  to  be,  even  by  their 
own  worshippers.  But  a  God  afar  off,  as  well  astf? 
hand*  Present  with  his  captive  servants,  to  check 
the  violence  of  the  fire,  and  stop  the  mouths  of  li- 
ons, in  favor  of  his  exiles  in  Babylon,  as  surely  as 
ever  he  had  been  ready  to  hear  prayer  in 
his  temple  at  Jerusalem.  A  God  in  India,  as  well 
is  in  England.  Who  shewed  himself  to  be  pres- 
ent with  his  servant  Pearce  in  Birmingham,  to 
make  all  his  bed  in  his  sickness  :  and  was  at  the 
iame  time  present,  though  we  knew  not  where, 
with  his  servant  Ward  and  his  companions  5 
rher  they  are  still  traversing  the  mighty  ocean, 
or  Whether  the  €riterit>nh2&  reached  his  desired 
haven.  Perhaps  they  have  already  met  with  Ca- 
reify  and  Thomas,  and  Founta-in,  and  Jesus  is  in 
the  midst  of  thr*m,  while  they  are  praying  for  us  in 
Bengal.  Yes,  Asia  was  long  ago  reminded,  that 
1  the  eyes  of  JeHoVaH  run  to  and  fro  throughout 
the  whole  earth,  that  he  may  shew  himself  strong 
in  the  behalf  of  them  whose  hearts  are  perfect  to- 
v  arib  him.'*     And  how  comfortable  is  it  to  reflect, 


a  Source  of  Consolation.  3 1 

that  this  attribute  of  Deity,  and  every  other,  be- 
longs to  God  the  Son,  as  well  as  to  God  the  Fa- 
ther. The  husband  of  the  church  is  the  God  of 
the  whole  earth.  Jesus  has  all  power  on  earth  as 
well  as  in  heaven.  They,  therefore,  "  who  seek 
first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  his  righteousness,^ 
shall  find  "  all  things  added  unto  them."  "  My 
God,"  (said  Paul  to  the  Pbilippians)  cc  shall  sup- 
ply all  your  need,  according  to  his  riches  in  glo-t 
ry,  by  Christ  Jesus."  Cast  on  him,  therefore,  all 
7  our  care:  he  careth  for  alibis  churches;  and 
though  you  know  not  which  way  to  look,  he  can 
find  another  pastor  for  his  church,  to  repair  the 
breach  that  death  has  made.  He  can  raise  up 
friends  for  the  widow  and  the  children  of  his  de- 
parted servant  ;  yea,  he  himself  will  be  their 
guardian  and  defence.  A  father  to  the  fatherless, 
ind  the  patron  of  the  widow,  is  God  in  his  holy 
habitation  ;  he  will  never  fail  them,  nor  forsake 
them. 

Finally,  The  presence  of  Christ,  with  his  peo- 
ple on  earth,  shall  prepare  them/ur  the  uninter- 
rupted  enjoyment  of  his  presence  in  the  celestial 
world.  He  himself  will  be  with  you  walking  in 
the  way,  and  the  foolish  shall  not  err  therein.  He 
will  guide  you  by  his  counsel,  and  afterwards  re- 
ceive you  into  glory.  One  of  you  after  another 
shall  follow  your  dear  Pastor,  perhaps  before  the 
end  of  this  year,  andfour  or  five  next  year,  and  so 
on,  till  you  all  maet  again  in  that  heavenly  city, 
inhere  the  Lord  God  Almighty  and  the  Lamb,  are 
the  temple  of  it  ;  The  glory  of  God  doth  enlighten 
it,  and  the  Lamb  isthe  light  thereof;  and  the  in- 
habitants  drink  of  the  pure  river  of  the  water  of 
life,  proceeding  out  of  the  throne  of  GW  and  the 
Lamb  ;  ar.d  there  shall  be  no  more  curse,  but  the 
throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb  shall  be  in  it :  and 
his  servants  shall  serve  him,  and  they  shall  see  his 
face,  and  his  name  shaJlbe  ia  their  foreheads  j  for 


32  The  Presence  of  Christ 

they  shall  be  completely  like  him,  when  they  shall 
see  him  as  he  is.  But  let  me  once  more  beseech 
you  to  notice 

3.  The  consequent  obligations ,  under  which 
you  are  laid. 

Your  Lord  has  said,  6i  I  will  come  unto  you." 
Believe  kirn.  Take  him  at  his  word.  Plead  it  be- 
fore his  throne  of  grace.  Prove  that  you  value 
his  presence  above  every  thing.  Live  under  an  a- 
biding  conviction,  that  without  it,  you  must  be 
comfortless,  notwithstanding  the  presence  of  eve- 
ry temporal  enjoyment  ;  but  with  it,  you  must  be 
happ>,even  under  the  pressure  of  every  earthly 
calamity. 

Let  then  the  expectation  that  this  promise  will  be 
accomplished,  moderate  your  sorrows,  on  the 
present  occasion,  and  on  all  others,  and  direct 
them  into  a  proper  channel.  It  is  the  presence  of 
Christ  which  constitutes  the  perfected  felicity  of 
our  dear  departed  friend  :  But  Christ  is  really 
present  with  his  church  upon  earth  also  :  pray  for 
more  faith  to  realize  that  truth, and  your  heaven 
shall  be  begun  below.  He  has  said,  "  If  any  one 
love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words  :  and  my  Father 
will  love  him,  and  we  will  come  unto  him,  and 
make  our  abode  with  him."  And  what  is  the  loss, 
which  the  enjoyment  of  the  presence  of  Christ, 
?»nd  of  his  Father,  cannot  compensate  ?  or  what 
is  the  afflction,  under  which  fellowship  with  the 
Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  will  not  eon- 
sole  you  ? 

Let  this  promise  enhance  your  gratitude  for 
past  mercies,  and  your  solicitude  to  improve  those 
which  remain*  It  was  from  him,  who  ascended 
on  high,  after  descending  into  the  lowest  parts  of 
the  earth,  and  who  received  gifts   for   men,*  that 

*See  an  excellent  Sermon  of  brother  Pearce's  on  Ephes, 
iv.  II.  On  the  duty  /Churches  to  regard  Minster*  as 
ate  gift  of  Christ}  at  Mr,  Belsher's  Ordination,  1796. 


a  Source  of  Consolation.  S3 

our  dear  brother  received  all  His  ministerial  qual- 
ifications, as  well  as  every  Christian  grace  :  and 
it  was  his  blessing  alone,  which  rendered  him  so 
successful,  in  winning  souls  to  Christ  With  him 
is  the  residue  of  the  Spirit*  He  has  yet  blessings 
in  store  to  communicate.  O  live  on  his  fulness  ! 
Though  your  beloved  Pastor  is  gone,  I  trust  that 
the  benefit,  which  many  of  you  received  from  his 
ministry,  will  never  be  lost.  Ministers  die,  but 
Jesus  lives  ;  and  his  word  endureth  forever.  You 
have  also  a  prospect  of  still  enjoying  his  ordinan- 
ces. Lookup  for  his  gracious  influence  to  attend 
them,  knowing  that  neither  is  he  who  planteth  a- 
ny  thing,  nor  he  who  watereth  ;  but  it  is  God 
who  giveth  the  increase. 

May  the  promise  of  Christ's  presence  excite 
your  concern  to  prepare  for  his  coming.  Let  it 
excite  your  watchfulness  against  every  thing, 
which  would  be  offensive  to  your  blessed  Lord. 
Christians,  is  there  any  thing  in  the  daily  course 
of  your  behaviour,  or  in  the  management  of  your 
families,  of  which  you  would  be  ashamed,  if  Christ 
werenow  upon  earth  in  human  nature,  and  took  up 
his  abode  with  you  ?  And  can  you  truly  believe  his 
Divinity,  and  not  be  afraid  that  he,  whose  eyes  are 
as  a  flame  of  fire,  should  see  such  transactions? 
Do  you  not  believe  that  he  even  searches  the  reins 
and  the  hearts  ?  and  has  he  not  said,  that  all  the 
'jhurches  shall  know  it  ?  Behold,  he  cometh  fre- 
quently, as  unexpected  as  a  thief:  Blessed  is  he 
who  watcheth,  and  keepeth  his  garments,  lest  he 
walk  naked,  and  they  see  his  shame. 

BUT  now,  without  confining  myself  farther  to 
the  immediate  language  of  the  text,  give  me  leave 
to  address  a  few  words,  by  way  of  a  more  general 
improvement  of  the  late  afflictive  providence,  both 
to  the  members  of  the  Church  statedly  assembling 
in  this  place  of  worship,  and  the  Congregation 
and  Strangers  present. 


34  The  Presence  of  Christ 

I  address  myself  first  to  the  CHURCH.  You, 
my  brethren,  have,  within  thesetendays,  sustained 
the  loss  or  a  very  affectionate  and  faithful  Pastor  ; 
ayoung  and  active,  and  at  the  same  time  an  able  and 
judicious  minister  ;  who  had  proved  himself  a- 
mong  you  for  nme  or  ten  years,  and  whose  labours 
you  hoped  to  enjoy  for  many  years  to  come.  But 
he  is  taken  away  in  the  midst  of  his  usefulness, 
having  bur  just  completed  the  thirty  third  year  of 
his  age.  In  such  a  trial,  you  have  room  to  mourn. 
Jesus  wept.  And  devout  men  made  great  lamen- 
tation at  the  death  of  Stephen. 

Yet  forget  not  to  be  thankful,  that  ever  the  Lord 
raised  up  such  a  minister,  and  gave  you  the  chief 
benefit  of  his  labours.  It  was  the  kindness  of  Prov- 
idence that  fixed  him  in  this  place,  and  continued 
him  with  you  for  several  years.  You  have  rea- 
son to  bless  God  also,  that  he  did  not  run  in  vain, 
nor  labour  in  vain.  Bless  the  Lord  for  giving  so 
many  seals  to  his  ministry,  and  for  enabling  him  to 
live  so  honourably,  and  to  die  so  triumphantly. 

And  now,  let  each  individual  examine  himself, 
how  far  he  profited  by  the  ministrations  of  this 
dear  servant  of  Jesus  Christ.  If  any  of  you  put 
him  out  of  his  place,  and  idolized  him;  let  such 
learn  wisdom  in  future,  and  so  account  of  us,  as 
only  the  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God.  If  any 
undervalued  him,  let  them  sincerely  repent  of  that 
evil.  And  let  all  be  concerned,  that  the  benefit 
of  his  ministry  may  not  die  with  him.  Remem- 
ber the  interesting  and  important  truths  you  pro- 
fessed to  receive  from  him.  Remember  the  affec- 
tionate and  earnest  exhortations,  addressed  toyou 
by  him,  from  this  pulpit.  Remember  the  consis- 
tent and  lovely  example  which  he  set  before  you  ; 
and  the  evidence  of  the  truth  of  religion,  and  the 
display  of  the  faithfulness  ot  God,  which  was  made 
by  his  supports,  under  his  painful  and  proiracted 
afflictioR. 


a  Source  of  Consolation.  3$ 

Consider,  beloved,  your  duty  to  his  Family, 
and  shew  the  sincerity  of  your  regard  for  your 
late  dear  Pastor*  by  your  tender  sympathy  with 
his  distressed  Widow,  and  the  substantial  tokens 
of  your  affection  to  his  Jive  fatherless  Children^ 
whose  tender  years  prevent  them  from  forming  a- 
ny  adequate  conception  of  their  unspeakable  loss. 
May  all  the  friends  of  the  deceased,  bear  them  and 
their  afflicted  mother  on  their  hearts  before  the 
Lord;  remembering  how  essentiala  part  of  pure 
and  undefiled  religion  it  is,  to  pay  k  nd  attention 
to  the  orphan  and  the  widow  in  their  affliction  ; 
and  accounting  it  an  honour  to  imitate  and  sub- 
serve  that  glorious  Being?  in  vyhom  the  fatherless 
findeth  mercy,  and  who  encourages  the  desolate 
widow  to  put  her  trust  in  him. 

My  dear  brer  hj  en,  forget  not  your  duty  to  one 
another  also,,  in  this  season  of  trial.  While  thus 
deprived  of  a  Pastor,  to  take  the  oversight  of  you 
in  the  Lord,  watch  over  each  other  the  more  care* 
fully  in  love.  Forsake  not  the  assembling  of  your- 
selves together,  bur  stand  fast  in  the  Lord.  Strength* 
en  the  hands  of  your  Deacons ,  at  a  time  wht^n  the 
concerns  of  the  church  lie  the  heavier  upon  then?, 
instead  of  indulging,  as  sotrjetimes  the  ease  has 
been  in  other  churches,  a  spirit  of  groundless  jeal- 
ousy, respecting  those  whom  you  yourselves  have 
called  to  that  office,  and  who  hare  shewn  a  con- 
scientious and  upright  regard  for  your  welfare. 

In  looking  out ^or  a  minister,  1  trust,  you  wij/ 
be  careful  to  seek  one  of  the  same  stamp  with  my 
late  dear  brother  ;  one,  who  will  guide  you  in  rhc 
true  narrow  way,  and  guard  you  from  error* on 
the  right  hand  and  on  the  left ;  who  will  warn  you  a- 
gainst  every  sentiment  which  would  dishonor  God's 
moral  government ,  as  well  as  faithfully  oppose  what- 
ever notion  would  disparage  the  riches  of  his  glori- 
ous grace.     May  you  choose  a  man  equally  zealous 


36  The  Presence  cf  Christ 

against  self-righteousness,  and  against  self-indul- 
gence  ;  who  will  preach  salvation  by  Christ  alone, 
and  insist  on  deliverance  from  the  power  and  love 
of  sin,  as  a  most  essential  part  of  that  salvation. 
May  God  direct  you  to  a  minister,  who  shall  an- 
swer to  the  description  given  by  Paul  of  himself 
and  his  fellow  labourers,  "  We  preach  Christ  in 
you  the  hope  of  glory,  warning  every  man,  and 
teaching  every  man  in  all  wisdom;  that  we  may 
present  every  man  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus."  May 
lie  be  able  to  appeal  to  you,  on  his  death  bed,  in 
the  words  of  the  same  Apostle,  "  As  we  were  al* 
lowed  of  God  to  be  put  in  trust  with  the  gospel, 
so  we  spake,  not  as  pleasing  men,  but  God,  who 
trieth  our  hearts :  not  using  flattering  words,  as 
ye  know,  nor  a  cloak  of  covetousness,  God  is  wit- 
ness ;  nor  seeking  glory  of  men  ;  but  we  were  gen- 
tle among  you,  even  as  a  nurse  cherisheth  her 
children  ;  so,  being  affectionately  desirous  of  you, 
we  were  willing  to  have  imparted  unto  you,  not 
the  go*  pel  of  God  only,  but  also  our  own  souls, 
because  ye  were  dear  unto  us.  Ye  are  witnesses, 
and  God  also,  how  bolily,  and  justly*  and  how  un- 
biameably  we  behaved  ourselves  among  you  who 
believe  :  as  ye  know,  how  he  exhorted,  and  com- 
forted, and  charged  every  one  of  yon,  as  a  father 
his  children,  that  ye  should  walk  worthy  of  God, 
who  hath  called  you  into  his  kingdom  and  glory." 
Such  a  protestation,  lam  confident,  your  late  be- 
loved Pastor  might  have  safely  made,  and  I  pray 
God,  his  successor  may  be  assisted  to  imitate  the 
same  primitive  example,  and  find  a  corresponding 
testimony  in  the  conscience  of  every  unprejudiced 
hearer. 

At  the  same  time,  let  me  exhort  you,  my  breth- 
ren, to  manifest  genuine  Christian  candour  in  your 
choice  of  another  minister,  and  in  all  your  subse- 
quent conduce  towards  him.  If  he  should  not  e- 
qtial  Siis  predecessor  in  the  popularity    of  his   tak 


a  Source  of  Consolation.  3v 

ents,  the  readiness  of  his  utterance,  or  in  every  a- 
miable  qualification  of  still  higher  importance,  yet 
if  his  heart  be  evidently  devoted  to  God,  do  not 
despise  him,  nor  undervalue  him  ;  but  pray  for 
him,  encourage  him,  strengthen  his  hands  in  God. 
Make  him  not  an  offender  for  a  word,  nor  for  want 
of  a  word.  And  do  not  magnify  such  infirmities 
as  are  common  to  the  best  of  men  in  this  state 
of  imperfection. 

Endeavour,  brethren,  to  be  unanimous  in  your 
choice.  Let  none  oppose  the  general  vote,  mere- 
ly to  shew  their  consequence,  or  assert  their  liber- 
ty. Nor  let  others  resolve  upan  having  their  own 
way,  because  they  have  a  small  majority  of  their 
mind  :  but  endeavour  to  accommodate  one  anoth- 
er as  far  as  it  is  possible,  without  sacrificing  truth 
or  prudence.  Only  be  sure  that  y  u  seek  a  pas- 
tor that  is  a  holy  man  of  God,  a  faithful  servant  of 
Jesus  Christ,  who  will  naturally  care  for  your 
souls. 

Finally,  beloved,  let  all  be  careful  to  walk  wor- 
thy of  the  Lord,  in  the  practise  of  all  that  is  well- 
pleasing  in  his  sight.  And  let  it  appear  that  God, 
by  taking  your  late  dear  minister  to  heaven,  has 
drawn  you  nearer  to  heaven.  Remember  that 
Christ  is  now  in  the  mid-st  of  you,  and  that  you 
hope  soon  to  be  with  him  in  his  kingdom,  and  to 
to  live  and  reign  with  him  forever.  What  manner 
of  persons  ought  you  then  to  be,  in  all  holy  con- 
versation and  godliness  !  \ 

WHAT  I  have  said  to  the  members  of  the 
church,  will,  for  the  most  part,  apply  to  such  of 
the  stated  CONGREGATION,  as 'are  packer;; 
of  the  grace  of  God. 

But  there  are  some,  who  constancy  attended  my 

doar  brother's  ministry,   who  are  left  unconverted. 

O  ahat  shall  I  say  to  them  !   I  earnestly  pray,  that: 

they  who  heard  him  in  vain  while  alive,  may  hear 

D 


38  The  Presence  of  Christ 

him  now  he  is  dead,  so  as  to  be  made  alive   them* 
selves.     For,  being  dead,  he  yet  speaketh.     The 
history  which  all  his  friends  can  give  you,  of  his 
life,  and  oi  his   death,   (his  blessed    death!)    pro- 
claims to  you,  the  truth  and  excellence  of  the  gos- 
pel.    Do  not    you  also  remember  that   short,  but 
most  affecting  address,  which  he  made  to  you,  the 
last  time  he   ascended   this    pulpit,  after    brother 
Franklin  of  Coventry  had   been  preaching  ?   Then 
he  told  some,  that  his  highest  comfort,    amidst  the 
symptoms  of  approaching  dissolution,   which   he 
then  exhibited,    was  the    expectation   of  meeting 
them  in  heaven  ;  while  he    forewarned    others    of 
you,  that  his  greatest  anxiety  arose  from  his    fear 
of'being  obliged  to  witness  against  you,  as  despi- 
sers  and  rejecters  of  the    glorious  Redeemer.     O 
that  the  recollection  of  that  dying  warning,   enfor- 
ced by  all  his  own  happy  experience  in  succeed- 
ing months  of  suffering  and  superabounding    con- 
gelation, might  conviuce  you  of  the    vast  impor- 
tance of  true  religion,  of  the  unspeakable  worth  of 
the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  of  the  blessedness  of  be- 
ing interested  in  his  great  salvation,  and  obtaining 
aq    inheritance   among   them  who  are  sanctified, 
through   faith  in  him. 

Many  may  expect,  especially  those  who  are 
btremgers,  to  hear  a  character  of  the  deceased  ;  but 
he  chose  this  text  to  avoid  much  being  said  of 
himself,  and  though  I  should  not  scruple  introdu- 
cing whatever  might  tend  to  honour  divine  grace, 
and  to  promote  your  edification,  yet  I  am  unable 
to  enter  into  a  particular  biographical  detail  at 
this  time.  And  as  to  his  character,  those,  who 
knew  him  well,  need  not  my  delineation  of  it,  to 
make  them  remember  it  with  high  esteem,  to  their 
dying  day  ;  while  others  might  suspect  me  of  flat- 
tery, if  I  said  but  the  half  of  what  I  cordially  be- 
lieve. One  thing  I  will  say,  which  I  could  say  of 
r«fy  few  others,   though  1  have   known  many   of 


a  Source  of  Consolation.  39 

the  excellent  of  the  earth,  that  I  never  saw,  or 
heard  of  any  thing  respecting  him,  which  griev- 
ed me,  unless  it  was  his  it. attention  to  his  health, 
end  that  I  believe  was  owing  to  a  mistaken  idea 
of  his  constitution.  If  any  of  you  know  of 
other  faults  belonging  to  him.  be  careful  to  shun 
them  ;  but  O  be  sure  to  follow  him,  wherein  he 
was  a  follower  of  Christ. 

While  his  outward  conduct  was  remarkably  blame* 
less  and  exemplary,  he  evidently  had  a  deep,  abi- 
ding, humbling  sense  of  the  evil  of  sin,  of  his  own 
native  depravity,  and  remaining  sinfulness  ;  of  hi> 
absolute  need  of  Christ  as  an  atoning  sacrifice,  and 
the  Lord  his  righteousness  ;  and  of  the  love  of  the 
Spirit,  and  the  importance  of  his  work  as  a  sanc- 
tifier. — He  lived  a  life  of  faith  on  the  incarnate 
Son  of  God,  as  the  blessed  mediator,  who  had 
loved  him  and  given  himself  for  him;  and  as 
Christ  was  all  in  all  to  him,  his  joy  and  his  gain, 
in  life  and  in  death,  so  he  took  great  delight  in 
preaching  Christ  to  others,  as  the  only  and  all 
sufficient  Sarictfr  ;  he  earnestly  fonged,  ha#  it 
been  permitted  him  by  Providence,  to  have 
preached  Christ  to  the  heathen,  and  would  have 
seen  gls«  to  liarc  carried  the  tidings  &*  salvation 
by  his  blood,  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 

But,  instead  of  giving  a  fuller  account  in  my 
own  words,  I  will  give  all  strangers  the  means  of 
forming  a  just  idea  of  the  man,  and  of  the  natt 
of  his  religion,  by  reading  some  of  his  letters, 
written  three  of  them  to  myself,  and  two  to.  the 
officers  of  his  church,  at  different  periods  of  his 
long  illness  ;.  to  which  I  shall  add  a  few  detached 
sentences,  uttered  nearer  the  close  of  his  life,  and 
taken  down  by  his  nearest  relative. 

These  will  tend  more  to  your  edification  who 
know  the  Redeemer,  and  more  to  the  conviction 
of  those  who  know  him  not,  than  any  stupid    pin- 


40  Tht  Presence  of  Christ,  8fe 

May  they  excite  all  present  to  pray  from  the 
heart :  Let  me  live  the  life,  as  well  as  die  the  death, 
of  the  righteous  ;  may  the  commencement  of  my 
profession,  and  my  latter  end  be  like  his.  Amefr 
and  Amen. 


Letters  and  Narrative.  41 

THE   FOLLOWING 

LETTERS  and  NARRATIVE 

Were  read  before  the  concluding  paragraph  of  the  Sermon. 
To  Dr.  RYLAND. 

Birmingham,  Dec.  9,  1798 
My  dear  Brother,  Lord's-Bay  Evening. 

AFTER  a  Sabbath— such  a  one  I  neverknew  be- 
fore  spent   in    an    entire   seclusion    from    the 

house  and  ordinances  of  my  God,  I  seek  Christian 
converse  with  you,  in  away  in  which  I  atn  yet 
permitted  to  have  intercourse  with  my  brethren. 
The  day  after  I  wrote  to  you  last,  my  medical 
tendant  laid  me  under  the  strictest  injunctions 
not  to  speak  again  in  public  for  one  month  at  least. 
He  says  that  my  stomach  is  become  so  irritable, 
through  repeated  inflammations,  that  conversation, 
unless  managed  with  great  caution,  would  be  dan- 
gerous ; — that  he  does  not  think  my  present  con- 
i  on  alarming,  provided  I  take  rest,  but  without 
t,  be  intimated  my  lift*  was  in  great  danger, 
bids  my  exposing  myself  to  the  evening  air, 
en  any  account,  and  going  out  of  doors,  or  to  the 
door, unless  when  the  air  is  dry  and  clear,  so  that 
I  am,  during  the  weather  we  now  have  in  Birming- 
ham, (very  foggy)  a  complete  prisoner  ;  and  the 
repeated  cautions  from  my  dear  and  affectionate 
friends,  whose  solicitude,  I  conceive,  far  exceeds 
the  danger,  compel  me  to  a  rigid  observance  of 
the  Doctor's  rules. 

This  morning  brother  Pope  took  my  place  ;  and 
in  the  afternoon  Mr    Brewer,  who  has  discovered 
D  d 


42  Letters  and  Narrative. 

uncommon  tenderness  and  respect  for  me  and  the 
people,  since  he  knew  my  state,  preached  a  very 
affectionate  sermon  from  I  Sam.  iii.  18.  u  It  is 
the  Lord,  let  him  do  what  saemeth  him  good."  By 
what  I  hear,  his  sympathizing  observations,  in  re- 
lation to  the  event  which  occasioned  his  being 
then  in  the  pulpit,  drew  more  tears  from  the  peo- 
ple's eyes,  than  a  dozen  such  poor  creatures  as 
their  pa>tor  could  deserve.  But  I  have.  .  .  .  bles- 
sed be  God  !  long  had  the  satisfaction  of  finding 
myself  embosomed  in  friendship  .  .  .  the  friend- 
ship of  the  people  of  my  charge  :  though  I  la- 
ment that  their  love  should  occasion  them  a   pang 

but  thus  it    is our   heavenly    Father    sees 

that,  for  our  mixed  characters,  a  mixed  state  is 
best. 

I  anticipated  a  day  of  gloom,  but  I  had  unexpec- 
ted reason  to  rejoice,  that  the  shadow  of  death  was 
turned  into  the  joy  of  the  morning  ;  and  though  I 
.said,  with  perhaps  before  unequalled  feeling, 
<;  How  amiable  aie  thy  tabernacles  !"  yet  I  found 
the  God  of  Zioii  does  not  neglect  the  dwellings  of 
Jacob.  My  poor  wife  was  much  affected  at  so 
novel  a  thing  as  leaving  »ie  behind  her,  and  so  it 
was  a  dewy  morn  ng  ;  but  the  Sun  of  Righteous- 
ness soon  arose,  and  shed  such  ineffable  delight 
throughout  my  soul,  that  I  could  say,  '  It  is  good 
i.o  be-Aere*7 — Motive  to  resignation  and  gratitude 
also,  crowded  upon  motive,  till  my  judgment  was 
convinced,  that  1  ought  to  rejoice  in  the  Lord  ex- 
ceedingly, and  so  my  whole  soul  took  its  fill  of  joy. 
Mayl,ifitbe  my  Saviour's  wiH,  fee]  as  happy 
when  I  come  to  die  !  When  my  poor  Sarah  lay 
at  the  point  of  death,  forsomedays  after  her  first 
iying  in,  loward  the  Fatter  days,  I  enjoyed  such 
support,  and  felt  my  w^Ii  so  entirely  bowed  down 
to  that  of  God,  that  I -said  in  my  heart,  '  I  shall 
never  fear  another  trial — he  that  sustained  me  a- 
toidst  .his  flame,  will  defend  me  from  every  spark!' 


Letters  and  Narrative.  43 

and  this  confidence  I  long  enjoyed.— But  that  was 
near  six  years  ago,  and  I  had  almost  forgotten  the 
the  land  of  the  Hermonites,  and  the  hill  Mizar. 
But  the  Lord  has  prepared  me  to  receive  a  fresh 
display  of  his  fatherly  care,  and  his  (shall  I  call  it  ?) 
punctilious  veracity.  If  I  should  be  raised  up  a- 
gain,  I  shall  be  able  to  preach  on  the  faithfulness  of 
God  more  experimentally  than  ever.  Perhaps 
some  trial  is  coming  on,  and  lam  to  be  instrumen- 
tal in  preparing  them  for  it  :  Or  if  not,  I  am  to 
depart  hence  to  be  no  more  seen,  I  know  the 
Lord  can  carry  on  his  work  as  well  without  me  as 
with  me.  He  who  redeemed  the  sheep  with  his 
blood,  will  never  suffer  them  to  perish  for  want 
shepherding,  especially  since  he  himself  is  the 
chief  Shepherd  of  souls.  But  my  Family  !  Ah 
there!  find  my  faith  but  still  imperfect.  Howe- 
ver, I  do  not  think  the  Lord  will  ever  take  me  away 
till  he  helps  me  to  leav^  my  fatherless  children  in 
his  hands,  and  trust  my  widow  also  with  him. 
i;  His  love  in  times  past,"  and  I  may  add  in  times 
present  too,  u  forbids  me  to  think^  he  will  leave 
me  at  last^  in  trouble  to  sink." 

Whilst  my  weakness  was  gaining  ground,  I  used 
to  ask  myself,  how  I  could  like  to  be  laid  by  ;  I 
have  dreamed  that  this  was  the  case,  and  both  a- 
wake  and  asleep,  I  felt  as  though  it  were  an  evil 
that  could  not  be  borne  : — but  now,  I  find  the 
Lord  can  fit  the  back  to  the  burden,  and  though  I 
think  I  love  the  thought  of  serving  Christ  at  this 
moment  better  than  ever,  yet  he  has  made  me  wil- 
ling to  be  ...  .  nothing,  if  he  please  to  have  it  so  ; 
and  now  my  happy  heart  u  could  sing  itself  away 
to  everlasting  bliss." 

O  what  a  mercy  that  I  have  not  brought  on  my 
affliction  by  serving  the  devil.  What  a  mercy  that 
I  have  so  many  dear  sympathising  friends  !  What 
a  mercy  that  I  have  so  much  dear  domestic  com- 


1  .<  Letters  and  Narrative. 

■ 
comfort  !  What  a  mercy  that  I  am  in  no  violent 
bodily  pain  !  What  a  mercy  that  I  can  read  and 
write,  without  doing  myself  any  injury  !  What  a 
mercy  that  my  animal  spirits  have  all  the  time  this 
has  been  coming  on,  (ever  since  the  last  Ketter- 
ing meeting  of  ministers)  been  vigorous — free 
from  dejection  !  And,  which  I  reckon  among  the 
greatest  of  this  day's  privileges,  what  a  mercy 
that  I  have  been  able  to  employ  myself  for  Christ 
and  his  dear  cause  to-day,  as  I  have  been  almost 
wholly  occupied  in  the  concerns  of  the  (I  hope) 
reviving  church  at  Fromsgrove  j  and  the  infant 
church  at  Cradley !  O,  my  dear  brother,  it  is  all 
mercy,  is  it  not  I  O  help  me  then  in  his  praise,  for 
he  is  good,  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

Ought  I  to  apologize  for  this  experimental  chat 
with  you,  who  have  concerns  to  transact  of  so 
much  more  importance,  than  any  that  are  confin- 
ed to  an  individual  ?  Forgive  me  if  [  have  intrud- 
ed too  much  on  your  time — but  do  not  forget  to 
praise  on  my  behalf  a  faithful  God.  I  shall  now 
leave  room  against  I  have  some  business  to  write 
about — till  then,  adieu — but  let  us  not  forget  that 
this  God  is  our  God  forever  and  ever^  and  will  be 
our  guide  even  until  death.  Amen.  Amen,  We 
shall  soon  meet    in  heaven. 

s.  a 


To  Mr.  KING. 

Plymouth,  April  23,  1799s 

My  very  dear  friend  and  brother, 

I  RAVE  the  satisfaction  to  inform  you,  that  at 
length  my  complaint  appears  to  be  removed,  and 
that  I  am,  by  degrees,  returning  to  my  usual  diet, 


Letters  and  Narrative.  43 

By  which,  with  the  divine  blessing,  I  hope  to  be 
again  strengthened  ior  the  discharge  of  the  du- 
ties, and  enjoyment  of  the  pleasures,  which  await 
me  among  the  dear  people  of  my  charge. 

I  am  indeed  informed  by  my  medical  attendant 
here,  that  I  shall  never  be  equal  to  the  labours  of 
my  past  years,  and  that  my  return  to  moderate  ef- 
forts must  be  made  by  slow  degrees.  As  the 
path  of  duty,  I  desire  to  submit ;  but  after  so  long 
a  suspension  from  serving  the  Redeemer  in  his 
church,  my  soul  pants  for  usefulness  more  exten- 
sive than  ever,  and  I  long  to  become  an  apostle  to 
the  world*  I  do  not  think  I  ever  prized  the  min- 
isterial work  so  much  as  I  now  do.  Two  ques- 
tions have  been  long  before  me.  The  first  was, 
Shall  Hive  or  die  ?  The  second,  If  I  live,  how 
will  my  life  be  spent  ?  With  regard  to  the  for- 
mer, my  heart  answered,  M  it  is  no  matter — all  is 
well—  for  my  own  sake,  I  need  not  be  tawght  that 
it  is  best  to  be  with  Christ  ;  but  for  the  sake  of 
others,  it  may  be  best  to  abide  in  the  body— I  am 
in  the  Lord's  hands,  let  him  do  by  me  as  seemeth 
him  best  for  me  and  mine,  and  for  his  cause  and 
honour  in  the  world  ?  But  as  to  the  second  ques- 
tion, I  could  hardly  reconcile  myself  to  the 
thoughts  of  living,  unless  it  were  to  promote  the 
interest  of  my  Lord  ;  and  if  my  disorder  should 
so  far  weaken  me,  as  to  render  me  incapable  of 
the  ministry,  nothing  then  appeared  before  me  but 
gloom  and  darkness.  However,  I  will  rape  in 
the  Lord,  that  though  he  hath  chastened  mc  sore- 
ly>  vet>  since  he  hath  not  given  me  over  unto 
death,  sparing  mercy  will  be  followed  with 
strength,  that  i  may  shew  forth  his  praise  in  the 
land  of  the  living. 

1  am  still  exceedingly  weak  ;  more  so  than  at 
any  period  before!  left  home,  except  the  first 
week  of  my  lying  by  ;  but  1  am  getting  strength, 
though  slowly.     It  is  impossible  at  present  to  fix 


4S  Letters  and  Narrative. 

any  time  for  my  return.  It  grieves  me  that  the 
patience  of  the  dear  people  should  be  so  long  tri- 
ed, but  the  trial  is  as  great  on  my  part  as  it  can  be 
on  theirs,  and  we  must  pity  and  pray  for  one  an- 
other. It  is  now  a  task  for  me  to  write  at  all,  or 
this  should  have  been  longer. 

S.  P. 


To  Mr.  POPE, 

Plymouth,  May 24,  V79% 

I  CANNOT  write  much — this  I  believe  is  the 
only  letter  I  have  written  (except  to  my  wife) 
since  I  wrote  to  you  last.  My  complaint  has  is. 
sued  in  a  confirmed,  slow,  nervous  fever,  which 
b&s  wasted  my  spirits  and  fttiength*  and  takes  e 
great  part  of  the  little  flesh  I  had  when  in  health 
it\v-ay  from  me.  The  sympee«f«s  h»¥€  k«en  very 
threatening,  and  I  have  repeatedly  thought  that 
let  the  physician  do  what  he  will,  he  cannot  keep 
me  long  from  those  heavenly  joys,  for  which,  bles- 
sed be  God,  I  have  lately  been  much  longing  ;  and 
were  it  not  for  my  dear  people  and  family,  1  should 
have  earnestly  prayed  for  leave  to  depart,  and  be 
with  Christ,  which  is  so  much  better  than  to  abide 
in  this  vain,  suffering,  sinning  world. 

The  doctors,  however  now  pronounce  my  c;.se 
very  hopeful — say  there  is  little  or  no  danger — 
but  that  all  these  complaints  require  a  great  deaC 
of  time  to  get  rid  of.  I  still  feel  myself  on  preca- 
rious ground,  but  quite  resigned  to  the  will  of 
Him,  who,  unworthy  as  I  am,  continues  daily  to 
*;  nil  my  soul  with  joy  and  peace  in  believing." 


Letters  and  Narrative.  :  # 

Yes,  my  dear  friend  !  noxv  my  soul  feels  the  val- 
ue of  a  free,  full,  and  everlasting  salvation,  and 
what  is  more,  1  do  enjoy  that  salvation,  while  I  rest 
all  my  hope  on  the  Son  of  God  in  human  nature, 
dying  on  the  cross  for  me.  To  me  now*  health 
or  sickness,  pain  or  ease,  life  or  death  are  things 
indifferent.  I  feel  so  happy  in  being  in  the  hands 
of  Infinite  Love,  that  when  the  severest  strokes  are 
Jaid  upon  me,  I  receive  them  with  pleasure,  be- 
cause they  come  from  my  heavenly  Father's  hands] 
u  0  !   to  grace  how  great  a  debtor,"  &c. 


To  Dr.  RYLAND. 

Birmingham,  July  20,  1799. 
My  very  dear  brother, 

YOUR  friendly  anxieties  on  my  behalf  demand 
the  earliest  satisfaction.  We  had  a  pleasant  ride 
to  Newport  on  the  afternoon  we  left  you,  and  the 
next  day  without  much  fatigue  reached  Tewksbu- 
ry  ;  but  the  road  was  so  rough  from  Tewksbury  to 
Evesham,  that  it  wearied  and  injured  me  mere 
than  all  the  joltingwe  had  had  put  together.  How- 
fever,  we  reached  Alcestcr  on  Wednesday  evening', 
Stopped  there  a  day  to  rest,  and  last  night  ( Friday  J) 
were  brought  safely  hither,  blessed  be  God  ! 

I  find  myself  getting  weaker  and  weaker,  and  so 
my  Lord  instructs  me  in  his  pleasure  to  remove 
ma  soon.  You  say  well<  my  dear  brother,  that  at 
such  a  prospect,  I  u  cannot  complain •"  No,  bles- 
sed he  His  dear  name,  who  shed  his  blood  for  me, 
he  helps  me  to  rejoice,  at  times,  with  joy  unspeak- 
able. Now  I  see  the  value  of  the  religion  of  the 
Cross.      It  is  a  religion  for  a  dying  sinner.     It  is 


48  Letters  and  Narrative. 

rJl  the  most  guilty  'he  most  wretched  can  desire. 
Yes,  I  taste  its  svv^  mess,  and  enjoy  its  fulness, 
with  all  the  gloom  of  a  dying  bed  before  me.  And 
far  rather  would  I  be  the  poor  emaciated  and  em- 
aciating creature  that  I  am,  than  be  an  Emperor, 
with  every  earthly  good  about  him  ....  but  with- 
out a  God ! 

I  was  delighted  the  other  day,  in  re-perusing 
the  Pilgrim's  Progress,  to  observe  that  when  Chris- 
tian came  to  the  top  of  the  hili  Difficulty,  he  was 
put  to  sleep  in  a  chamber  called  Peace  :  Why  how 
good  is  the  Lord  of  the  way  to  me  !  said  1 ;  1  have 
not  reached  the  summit  of  the  hill  yet,  but  notwith- 
stanci  ng  he  pots  me  to  sleep  in  the  chamber  of 
Peace  every  night.  .  .Tne,  it  is  often  a  chamber 
of  pain  ;  but  let  pain  be  as  formidable  as  it  may, 
it  has  never  yet  been  abie  to  expel  that  peace, 
winch  the.  great  guardian  of  Israel  has  appointed 
io  keep  my  heart  and  mind  through  Christ  Jesus. 

I  have  been  laboring  lately  to  exercise  most  love 
to  God  when  I  have  been  suffering  most  severely  :— 
but,  what  shall  I  say  ?  Alas,  too  often  the  sense  of 
pain  absorbs  every  other  thought.     Yet  there  have 
been  seasons  when  I  hmve  been  affected  with  such 
a  delightful    sense  of  the  loveliness  of  God  as  to 
ravish  my  soul  and  give   predominance  to  the  sa-j 
cred  passion. — It  was  never  till  to-day  that  I  got; 
any  personal  instruction  from    our  Lord's  telling  ' 
Peter  by  what    death   he  should  glorify  God.     O 
what  a  satisfying  thought  is  it,   that  God  appoints 
tho^e  mesns   of  dissolution  whereby  he  gets  most 
glory  to  himself.     It  was  the  very  thing  I  needed  ;« 
for  of  ill  the  ways  of  dying,   that  which  I  most 
dreackdwas  by  a   consumption  ;    (in  which   it  is 
now  highly  probable  my  disorder  will  issue,)   But, 
O  m?  dear  Lord,  if  by  this  death  I  can  most  glorify 
i!i?el  1  prefer  it  iff  all  others,  and  thank  thee  that 


Letters  znd  Narrative.  49 

by  this  mean  thou  art  hastening  my  fuller  enjoy- 
ment of  thee  in  a  purer  world. 

A  sinless  state  !  <;  O  'tie  a  heaven  worth  dying 
for  P1  I  cannot  realize  any  thing  about  heaven,  but 
the  presence  of  Christ  and  his  people,  and  a  per* 
feet  deliverance  from  sin,  and  I  want  no  more-— I 
am  sick  of  sinning — soon. I  shall  be  beyond  its 
power.  "  C)  joyful  hour  !  O  blest  abode  !  I  shall 
be  near  and  like  my  God  !" 

I  only  thought  of  filling  one  side — and  now  have 
not  left  room  to  thank  you  and  dear  Mrs.  Ryland 
for  the  minute,  affectionate  and  constant  attentions 
you  paid  us  in  Bristol.  Mav  the  Lord  reward 
you.  Our  hearty  love  to  all  around,  till  we  meet 
;n  heavenc 

Eternally  yours  in  Christ, 

S.  P. 


To  Dn,  RYLAND. 

My  very  dear  Brother,  Birmingham,  Aug.  4,  1799. 

Lord  a  Day   Evtning. 

STILL,  T  trust,  hastening  to  the  land  4l  where 
there  shall  be  no  more  curse,"  I  take  this  opportu- 
nity of  talking  a  little  with  you  on  the  road,  ;or  we 
are  fellow-travellers,  and  a  little  conversation  by 
the  way  will  not  lose  me  the  privilege  of  getting 
first  to  tht  end  of  my  journey. 

It  is  seventeen  years  within  about  a  week  since 
I  first  actually  set  out  on  my  pilgr  mage  ;  and 
When  i  review  the  many  dingers  to  which,  daring 
that  time,  I  have*  been  txpc.S'd.  1  am  filled  with 
conviction  that  I  have  all  along  been  the /arc  of 
Omnipotent  Love.     Ah  how  many  Pliabies.  and 

E 


50  Letters  and  Narrative. 

Timorouses,  cind  Taikatives  have  I  seen,  while  my 
quivering  heart  said.  u  Alas  !  I  shall  soon  follow. 
these  sons  of  apostacy,  prove  a  disgrace  to  religion, 
and  have  my  portion  with  hypocrites  at  last.'' 

These  fears  may  have  had  their  uses — may 
have  made  me  more  cautious,  more  distrustful  of 
myself,  and  kept  me  more  dependent  on  the  Lord. 
Thus 

"  All  that  I've  met  has  work'd  for  my  good." 

With  what  intricacy,  to  cur  view,  and  yet  with 
what  actua'-  skill  and  goodness,  does  the  Lord  draw 
his  plans,  and  mark  out  our  path  !  Here  we  won- 
der and  complain — Soon  we  shall  all  agree  that  it 
was  a  right  path  to  the  city  of  habitation  ;  and 
what  we  now  most  deeply  regret,  shall  become  the 
subject  of  our  warmest  praises. 

I  am  afraid  to  come  back  again  to  life.  O  how 
many  dangers  await  me  !  Perhaps  I  may  be  over- 
come of  some  fleshly  lust— perhaps  I  may  get 
proud  and  indolent,  and  be  more  of  the  priest  than 
of  the  evangelist — surelyl  rejoice  in  feeling  my  out- 
ward man  decay,  and  having  the  sentence  of  death 
in  myself.  O  what  prospects  are  before  me  in  the 
blessed  world  whither  I  am  going!  To  be  holy  as 
God  is  holy — to  have  nothing  but  holiness  in  my  na- 
ture— Id  be  assured,  without  a  doubt, and  eternally 
to  carry  about  this  assurance  with  me,  that  the  pure 
God  looks  on  me  with  constant  complacency,  for 
ever  blesses  me,  and  say «,  as  at  the  first  creation,  ;*  It 
is  very  gtHxL"  lam  happy  now  in  hoping  in  the 
divine  pin  poses  toward  me  ;  but  I  knew,  and  the 
thought  is  my  constant  burden,  that  the  Being  I 
love  best,  always  sees  something  in  me  which  he 
infinitely  hales.  "  O  wretched,  wretched  man  that 
lam  !"  The  thought  even  now  mak<  s  me  weep, 
and  u  ho  can  help  it,  that  seriously  reflects,  be 
nevtr  comes  to  God  to  pray  or  pra  se,  but  he 
!*riD.£S  what  his  God  detests  along  with  him — car* 


Letters  and  Narrative.  -51 

lies  it  with  him  where  ever  lie  goes,  and  can  never 
get  rid  of  it  as  long  as  lie  lives  i  Cquna,  my 
dear  brother  !  will  you  not  share  my  joy ,  and  help 
my  praise,  that  soon  I  shall  leave  this  body  of  sin 
and  death  behind,  to  enter  on  the  perfection  of 
my  spiritual  nature  ;  and  patiently  to  wait  till 
this  natural  body  shall  become  a  spiritual  body, 
and  so  be  a  fit  vehicle  for  my  immortal  and  happy 
spirit ! 

But  I  must  forbare — I  have  been  very  unwell 
all  day  ;  but  this  evening  God  has  kindly  given 
me  a  respite — my  fever  is  low  and  my  spirits  are 
cheerful,  so  I  have  indulged  myself  iii  unbosom- 
ing  my  feelings  to    my    dear  friend. 

S.  P. 


MEMORANDA. 

Taken  down  occasionally  by  Mrs.  Pearce,  within 
four  cr  five  weeks  of  Mr.  Pearce's    death. 

HE  once  said,  c*  I  have  been  in  darkness  two  or 
three  days,  crying,  O  when  wilt  thou  comfort  me  ! 
but  last  night  the  mist  was  taken  from  me,  and  the 
Lord  shone  in  upon  my  soul.  O  that  I  could  but 
speak,  I  would  tell  a  world  to  trust  a  faithful  God. 
t  affliction,  now  it  worketh^/cry,  glory  /" 

Mrs.  P.  having  told  him  the  various  exercises  of 
her  mind,  he  replied,  "  O  trust  the  Lord,  if  he 
lifts  up  the  light  of  his  countenance  upon  you,  as 
he  has  done  upon  me  this  day,  al!  your  mountains 
will  become  molehills.  1  feel  your  situation,  I  feel 
your  sorrows  ;  but  he  who  takes  care  of  sparrows, 
will  care  for  you  and  my  dear  children." 

W  len  scorching  with  burning  fever,  he  said 
14  Hot  and  happy." — One  Lord's  day  morning  he 
said,  "  Cheer  up,  my  dear,  think  how  much  will 
be  said  to  day  of  the  faithfulness  of  God.  ^Though 


52  Letters  and  Narrative. 

we  are  called  to  stparate,  he  will  never  separate 
from  you  I  wish  1  could  tell  the  world  what  a 
good  and  gracious  God  he  is.  Never  need  they, 
wh.  trust  in  him,  be  afraid  of  trials.  He  has 
promised  to  give  strength  for  the  day  ;  that  is  his 
promise.  O  what  a  lovely  God  !  and  he  is  my 
God  and  yours*  He  will  never  leave  us  nor  for- 
sake us,  no,  never  !  I  have  been  thinking  that  this 
and  that  medicine  will  do  nit*  good,  but  what  have 
I  to  do  with  it  ?  It  is  in  my  Jesus*s  hands  ;  he  will 
do  it  all,  and  there  I  leave  it  What  a  mercy  is  it, 
I  have  a  good  bed  to  lie  upon  ;  you,  my  dear  Sa- 
Kth,  to  wait  upon  me  ;  and  friends  to  pray  for  me, 
O  how  thankful  should  I  be  for  all  my  pains  ;  I 
want  for  nothing  ;  all  my  wishes  are  anticipated. 
O  I  have  felt  the  force  of  those  words  of  David, 
*  Unless  the  law,  (my  gracious  God  i)  had  been 
my  delights,  I  siiouiu  have  perished  in  mine  af- 
fliction." Though  lam  too  weak  to  read  it,  or 
hear  it,  I  can  think  upon  it,  and  O  how  good  it 
is  !— 1  am  in  the  best  hands  I  could  be  in,  in  the 
hands  of  my  dear  Lord  and  Saviour,  and  he  will  do 
all  things  weil.     Yes,  yes,  he  cannot  do  wrong. ** 

One  morning  Mrs.  P.  asked  him  how  he  felt  ?— » 
;'Very  ill,  but  unspeakably  happy  in  the  Lord, 
and  my  dear  Lord  Jesus"  Once  beholding  her 
grieving,  he  said,  kv  O  my  dear  Sarah,  do  not  be 
so  anxious,  but  leave  me  entirely  in  the  hands  of 
Jesus,  and  think,  if  you  were  as  wise  as  he,  you 
would  do  the  same  by  me.  If  he  takes  me,  I  shall 
not  be  lost,  I  shall  only  go  a  little  before  ;  we  shall 
meet  again,  never  to  part.'' 

After  a  violent  fit  of  coughing  he  said,  u  It  is  all 
well;  O  what  a  good  God  is  he!  It  is  done  by 
him,  and  it  must  be  weil — If  I  ever  recover,  I  shall 
pitv  the  sick  more  than  ever,  and  if  I  do  not,  I 
shall  go  \-  ing  delivering  love  ;  so  you  see  it  will 
be  all  rali  — O  tor  more  patience  !  Well,  my  God 
is  the  Gou  of  patience,  and  he  will  give  all  I  need 


Letters  and  Narrative.  53 

I  rejoice  it  is  in  my  Jesus's  hands  to  communicate, 
and  it  cannot  be  in  better.  It  is  my  God  who 
gives  me  patience  to  bear  all  his  will." 

When  after  a  restless  night,  Mrs.  P.  asked  him, 
what  she  should  do  for  him  ?  "  You  can  do  noth- 
ing, but  pray  for  me,  and  that  I  may  have  patience 
to  bear  all  my  Lord's  will  " — After  taking  a  medi- 
cine he  said,  4t  If  it  be  the  Lord's  will  to  ble^s  it 
for  your  sake,  and  for  the  sake  of  the  dear  chil- 
dren, b  t  the  L  rd's  will  be  done.  O  I  fear  I  sin, 
I  dishonour  God  by  impatience  ;  but  I  would  not 
for  a  thousand  worlds  sin  in  a  thought  if  I  could 
avoid  it."  Mrs.  P.  replied,  she  trusted  the  Lord 
would  still  keep  him  ;  seeing  he  had  brought  him 
thus  far,  he  would  not  desert  him  at  last.  <s  No, 
no,"  he  said,  4t  I  hope  he  will  not.  Asa  father 
pitieth  his  children,  so  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that 
fear  him  Why  do  I  complain  ?  My  dear  Jesus' s 
sufferings  were  much  sorer  and  more  bitter  than 
mine  ;  And  did  he  thus  suffer  and  shall  I  repine  i 
No,  I  will  cheerfully  suffer  my  Father's  will. 

One  morning  after  being  asked  how  he  felt,  he 
replied,  "  I  have  but  one  severe  pain  about  me  ! 
what  a  mercy  !  O  how  good  a  God  to  afford  some 
intervals  amidst  so  much  pain!  He  is  altogether 
good.  Jesus  lives,  my  dear,  and  that  must  be  our 
ccm^i  lation." — After  taking  a  medicine  which  op- 
crated  very  powerfully,  he  said,  Ct  This  will  make 
me  so  much  lower  ;  well,  let  it  be.  Multiply  my 
pains,  thou  good  God,  so  thou  art  but  glorified, 
I  care  not  what  I  suffer  ;  all  is  right." 

B  ing  asked  how  he  felt  after  a  restless  night,  he 
replied,  "  I  have  so  much  weakness  and  pain,  I 
h  tve  not  had  much  enjoyment  ;  but  I  have  a  full 
p<  iMias  on  that  the  Lord  is  doing  all  things  vv<  II. 
If  it  were  not  for  strong  confidence  in  a  lovett  God, 
I  1st  sink  ;  but  all  is  well;  O  blessed  God,  I 
would  not  love  thee  1-ss;  O  support  a  sinking  worm  ! 
Ee 


54  Letters  and  Narrative* 

O  what  a  mercy  to   be  assured  that  all   things  are 
working  together  for  good  " 

Mrs.  P.  saying,  if  we  must  part,  I  trust  the  sep.- 
aration  w  11  not  be  for  ever ;  '*  O  no,"  he  replied, 
'*  we  sorrow  not  as  those  who  have  no  hope.'*  She 
said,  Then  you  can  leave  me  and  your  dear  chil- 
dren with  resignatiorisCanyou  ?  He  answered,  "  My 
hear  was  pierced  through  with  many  sorrows,  be- 
fore I  could  give  you  and  the  dear  children  up  ; 
bu.  the  Lord  has  heard  me  say,  Thy  will  be  done  ; 
and  I  now  can  say,  blessed  be  his  dear  name,  I 
have  none  of  my  own." 

His  last  day,  Oct.  1Q,  was  very  happy  ;  Mrs  P,- 
repeated  this  verse, 

Since  all  that  I  meet  shall  work  for  my  good, 
The  bitter  is  sweet,  the  med'eine  is  food, 

Though  painful  at  present,  'twill  cease  before  long, 
And  then,  O  how  pleasant,  the  conqueror's  song. 

He  repeated  with  an  inexpressible  smile,  the  last 
line,  "  The  conquerors  song."" 

He  said  -nee,  "  O  my  dear  !  what  shall  I  do  ? 
But  why  do  I  com; -lain  ?  He  makes  all  my  bed  in 
my  sickness."     She  then  repeated  those  lines, 

Jesus  can  make  a  dying  bed, 
Feel  soft  as  downy  p  lows  are. 

"  Yes/'  he  replied,  "  he  can  j  he  does  j  I  feel 
if* 


THREE 

OCCASIONAL  SERMONS. 


I.  THE  QUALIFICATIONS  AND  ENCOURAGE? 
MENTOF  A  FAITHFUL  MINISTER,  ILLUS- 
TRATED BY  THE  CHARACTER  AND  SUC- 
CESS OF   BARNABAS. 

Delivered  at  the  Settlement  ofthe  Rev.  Robert  Fawk- 
neb,  in  the  Pastoral  Office,  over  the  Baptist  Church  at 
Thorn,  in  Bedfordshire,  October  31»  1737- 

II.  THE  PERNICIOUS  INFLUENCE  OF  DELA* 
IN  RELIGIOUS  CONCERNS. 

Delivered  at  a  Meeting  of  Ministers  at  Ctifis^one,  in  Norths 
amptonshire,  April  27,   1791. 

III.  THE  IMPORTANCE  OE  A  DEEP  AND  IVh* 
TIMATE  KNOWLEDGE  OF  DIVIDE  TRUTH. 

Delivered  at  an  Association  of  Baptist  Minister  and 
Churches,  at  St.  Albon's,  Hertfordshire,  June  1,  178& 


By  ANDREW   FULLER, 


JfE  WARE: 
Jg&WTED  Ml  W.  TUTTLft* 


The    Qualifications   and   Encouragement   of€ 
faithful  Minister y  illustrated  by  the  Charac- 
ter and  Success  of  Barnabas* 


3IY  DEAR  BROTHER, 

IT  is  a  very  important  work  to  which  you  are 
this  day  set  apart.  I  feel  th  difficulty  of  your 
situation.  You  need  both  counsel  and  encourage- 
ment; I  wish  I  were  better  able  to  administer  both. 
In  what  I  may  offer,  I  am  persuaded  you  will  al- 
low me  to  be  tree  ;  and  understand  me,  not  as  as- 
suming any  authority  or  superiority  over  you,  but 
only  as  saying  that  to  you,  winch  1  wish  to  consid- 
er as  equally  addressed  to  myself. 

Out  of  a  variety  of  topics  that  might  afford  a  les. 
son  for  a  Christian  minister,  my  thoughts  have 
turned  on  this  occasion  upon  that  or  example.  Ex- 
ample has  a  great  influence  upon  the  human  mind  : 
examples  from  scripture  especially,  wherein  char- 
acters the  most  illustrious  in  their  day  for  gifts, 
grace,  and  usefulness,  are  drawn  with  the  pencil 
of  inspiration,  have  an  assimilating  tendency. 
Viewing  these,  under  a  divine  blessing,  we  form 
some  just  conceptions  of  the  nature  and  impor- 
tance of  our  work,  are  led  to  reflect  upon  our  own 
defects,  and  feel  the  fire  of  holy  emulation  kindling 
in  our  bosoms. 

The  particular  example,  my  brother,  which  I 
wish  to  recommend  to   your  attention  is  that  of 


S3        The  Qualification  and  Encouragement 

Barnabas,  that  xcellent  servant  of  Christ,  and 
companion  of  the  apostle  Paul.  You  will  find  his 
character   particular})  given  in 

A  c  t  s    xi.  24. 

He  was  a  good  man,  full  of  the   Holy  Ghost^ 

ana  of  faith  ;  and  much  people    was  added  unto 
the  Lord. 

WERE  we  to  examine  the  life  of  this  great  and 
good  man,  asrelateJ  in  other  parts  of  scripture,  we 
should  find  the  character    here  given    him   abund- 
antly confirmed.      He  seems  to  have   been   one  of 
that  great  company,  who,  through  the   preaching 
of  Peter   and  the  pther  apostles,     submitted    to 
Christ  soon  after  his  ascension.     He  gave   early 
proof  of  his  love  to  him,  by  selling  his  possessions, 
an  J  laying  the  price  at  the  apostles'    feet,  for    die 
support  of  his  infant  cause.     As  he  loved  Christ,  so 
he  loved  his  people,      ^e  appears  to  have    posses- 
sed much  of  the  tender  and  affectionate,  on  account 
of  which  he  was  called    Barnabas,  a  son  of  consola- 
tion.^    Assiduous  m  discovering  ana  encouraging 
the  first  dawnings  of  God7,  work,  he  was  the    first 
person  that  introduced  Saul  into  the    company    of 
the  disciples. f     The  next  news   that    we  hear    of 
him  is  in  the  passage  which  i  have    selected.     Ti- 
dings came  to  the  ears  of  the  church  at   Jerusalem 
of  the  word  of  the  Lord  being  prosperous  at  Unit* 
cch,  in  Syria.     The  church  at  Jerusalem  was   the 
mother  church,   and  felt  a    concern  for  others  like 
that  of  a   tender  mother   towards  her  infant   offs- 
pring.    The   young    converts   at   Antioeh  want- 
ed    a    nursing    father   ;    and    who   so    proper   to 
be     sent    as    Barnabas  P    He     goes — and,     far 
from  envying    the    success     of  ot    ers    who    had 
laboured   before    him,    he    was  glad  to    see  the 
grace  of  God  so  evidently  appear  ;  aid  exhorted 

*  Aetsiv.  3S,3r.  *  ix  2ft 


of  a  faithful  Minister.  59 

them,  with  full  purpose  of  heart  to  cleave  unto  the 
Jjord —  \s  a  preacher,  h*  does  not  seem  to  have 
been  equal  to  the  apostle  Paul  ;*  vet,  so  far  was 
he  from  caring  about  being  eclipsed  by  Paul's  su- 
perior abilities,  that  he  went  in  search  of  him,  and 
brought  him  to  tatioch  to  assist  him  in  the  work 
of  the  Lord,  it  mav  well  be  said  of  such  a  character, 
that  he  was  a  good  man,  full  of  the  ffoty  Ghost,  and 
of  faith — O  that  we  had  more  such  ministers  in 
the  church  at  this  day — that  we  ourselves  were 
like  him  !  Might  we  not  hone,  if  that  were  the 
case,  that,  accordingto  God's  us".al  manner  of  wort- 
hing, more  people  would  be.  added  to  the  Lord  P 

There  are  three  things  we  see  which  are  said  of 
Barni:b:ts  in  a  way  of  commendation — he  was  a 
goo  I  man,  full  cf  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  of  faith— 
thus  far  he  is  held  up  for  our  example  :  a  fourth 
Is  added  concerning  the  effects  which  followed,  and 
much  people  was  added  unto  the  T  ord — and  this 
seems  to  be  held  up  for  our  encouragement.  Per* 
mit  me,  my  dear  brother,  to  request  your  candid 
attention,  while  i  attempt  to  review  these  great 
lilies  in  Barnabas,  -and  by  every  motive  to  en- 
force them  upon  you. 

I.  He  was  a  good  man.  —  It  were  easy  to  prove 
the  necessity  of  a  person  being  a  good  man,  in  or- 
der to  his  property  engaging  in  ih~  work  of  the 
ministry — Christ  would  noi  commit  his  sheep  hut 
to  one  that  loved  hnnf— -but  on  this  remark  I  shall 
not  i     no  reason  to  doubt,  my  broth- 

er, but  that  God  has  given  you  an  understanding 
to  k  ]  that  is  true,  and  a  heart  to  love  him 

in  sincerity  ;  i  trust,  therefore,  such  an  attempt 
on  this  occasion  is  needless.  Nor  does  it  appear 
to  me  io  be  the  meaning  of  the  tvargel- 
ist  ft  is  not  barely  meant  of  Barnabas  that 
he  was  a  regenerate  man  (thpugh  that  is 
implied    ;)-but     it   denotes     that    he    was     emit 

*  Acts  xiv.  12  J  John  xxi  16, 


60     The  Qualifications  and  Encouragement 

nently  good.  We  use  the  wor  i  so  in  common 
conversation,  if  we  would  d  scribe  one  that  more 
ordinariK  shines  in  piety,  meekn  ss,  and  kindness, 
we  know  not  how  to  speak  of  him  better,  than  to 
say,  with  a  degree  of  emphasis,  wl  he  is  a  good 
man."  After  this  emnency  in  goodness,  brother, 
may  it  be  your  concern   and  mine  da  ly  to  aspire! 

Perhaps,  indeed  we  may  have  sometimes  heard 
this  epithet  used  with  a  sneer.  Persons  who  take 
pleasure  in  treating  others  with  contempt,  will  fre- 
quently, with  a  kind  of  proud  pity,  speak  in  this 
manner,  u  Aye  such  a  one  is  a  good  man ' — lea- 
ving it  implied,  that  goodness  is  but  an  indiffer- 
ent qualification,  unless  it  be  accompanied  with 
greatness.  But  these  things  ough:  not  so  to  be. 
The  apostle  Paul  did  not  value  himself  upon  those 
things  wherein  he  differed  from  other  Christians  ; 
but  upon  that  which  he  possessed  in  common  wTith 
them,  charity  or  Christian  love  :  Though  I  speak 
with  the  tongues  of  men  and  of  angels,  and  have 
not  charity,  I  am  become  as  sounding  brass,  or  a 
tinkling  cymbal.  Ai«d  though  1  have  the  gift  of 
prophecy,  and  understand  all  mysteries  and  all 
knowledge  ;  and  though  I  have  all  faith,  so  that  I 
couid  remove  mountains,  and  have  not  charity,  I 
am  nothing.^" 

My  dear  brother,  value  the  character  of 
A  GOOD  man  in  all  the  pakts  of  your  EM- 
PLOYMENT ;  AND  ABOVii  ALL  THOSE  THINGS 
1CH  THE  WORLD  COUNTS  GREAT  AND  ESTI- 
MABLE.     More  particularly — 

Value  it  at  home  in  your  family* — If  you  walk 
not  closeh  with  God  there,  you  will  be  ill  able  to 
work  ior  him  elsewhere.  You  are  lately  become 
the  head  of  a  family.  Whatever  charge  it  shall 
please  God  in  the  course  of  your  life  to  place  un~ 

*  1.  Cor,  xiii,  1,  ?s 


of  a  faithful  Minister .  61 

der  your' tare,  I  trust  it  will  be  your  concern  to 
recommend  Christ  and  the  gospel  to  them,  walk 
circumspectly  before  them,  constantly  worship 
God  with  them,  offer  up  secret  pi  aver  for  them, 
and  exercise  *  proper  authority  over  them.  1  here 
'3  a  sort  of  religious  gossiping,  which  some  min- 
isters have  indulged  to  their  hurt;  loitering 
about  perpetually  at  the  houses  of  their  friends, 
and  taking  no  delight  in  their  own.  Such  con- 
duct in  a  minister  and  master  of  a  family  must  of 
necessity  root  out  all  family  order,  and,  to  a  great 
degree,  family  worship  ;  and,  instead  of  endear- 
ing him  to  his  friends,  it  onlv  exposes  him  to  their 
just  censure.  Perhaps  they  know  not  how  to  be 
so  plain  as  to  tell  him  of  it  at  their  own  houses, 
but  they  will  think  the  more,  and  speak  of  it,  it  is 
likely,  to  one  another,  when  he  is  gone.  I  trust, 
my  brother,  that  none  of  your  domestic  connex- 
ions will  have  to  say  when  you  are  gone,  4v  He  was 
loose  and  careless  in  his  conduct,  or  sour  and 
churlish  in  his  temper;"  but  rather,  4t  He  was  a 
good  man." 

Value  this  character  in  your  private  retirements. 
Give  yourself  up  to  the  word  of  God,  and  to  pray- 
er. The  apostle  charged  Timothv,  saying,  medi- 
tate  on  these  things,  give  thyself 'wholly  to  them,  or 
be  Ih  u  In  them;  but  this  will  never  be  without  a 
considerable  share  of  the  good  man.  Your  heart 
can  never  be  in  those  things  which  are  foreign  to 
its  prevailing  temper  ;  and  if  your  heart  is  not  in 
your  work,  it  will  be  a  poor  lifeless  business  in- 
deed. We  need  not  fear  exhausting  the  Bible,  or 
dread  a  scarcity  of  divine  subjects.  If  our  hearts, 
are  but  kept  in  unison  with  the  spirit  in  which  the 
bible  was  written,  every  thing  we  meet  with  will 
be  interesting.  The  more  we  read,  the  more  in- 
teresting it  will  appear  \  and  he  more  we  know, 
the  more  we  shall  perceive  there  is  to  be  known. 

F 


6£     The  Qualifications  and  encouragement 

Beware  also,  broiker,  of  tfegtecting  $i  en  \ prayer. 
The  fire  of  devotion  will  go  out,  if  it  be  not  kept 
alive  by  an  habitual  dealing  with  Christ  Convers- 
ing with  men  and  things  may  brighten  our  gifts 
and  parts  ;  but  it  is  conversing  with  God  that 
must  brighten  our  graces.  Whatever  ardour  v/e 
may  feel  in  our  public  work,  if  this  is  wanting, 
things  cannot  be  right,  nor  can  they  in  such  a 
train  come  to  a  good  issue. 

Value  it  in  your  public  exercises.  It  it  hard  going 
on  it)  the  work  of  the  ministry  without  a  good  de- 
gree of  spirituality  ;  and  yet,  considering  the  pre- 
sent state  of  human  nature,  we  are  in  the  greatest 
danger  of  the  contrary-  Allow  me,  brother,  to 
mention  two  things  in  particular,  each  of  which  are 
directly  opposite  to  that  spirit  winch  I  am  at- 
tempting to  recommend.  One  is  an  assumed  ear- 
nestness, or  forced  zeal  in  the  pulpit,  which  many 
weak  hearers  may  mistake  for  the  enjoyment  of 
God.  But  though  we  may  put  on  violent  emo- 
tions;  may  smite  with  the  hand,  and  stamp  with 
the  foot  ;  if  we  are  destitute  of  a  genuine  feeling 
sense  of  what  we  deiiver,  it  will  be  discerned  by 
judicious  hearers,  as  well  as  by  the  Searcher  of 
hearts,  and  will  not  fail  to  create  disgust.  li\  on 
the  contrary,  we  feel  and  realize  the  sentiments 
we  deiiver,  emotions  and  actions  will  be  the  natu- 
ral expressions  of  the  heart;  and  this  will  give 
weight  to  the  doctrines,  exhortations,  or  reproofs 
which  we  inculcate:  what  we  say  will  come  with 
akind  of  divine  authority  to  the  consciences,  if  not 
to  the  heaits  of  the  hearers.  The  ofher  is.  a  b.-ing 
under  >  he  influence  of  lew  and  selfish  motives  in  the 
exercise  of  our  work.  1  his  is  a  temptation  against 
which  we  'nave  special  reason  to  watch  and  pray. 
It  is  right,  my  brother,  for  you  to  be  diligent  in 
your  public  work  ;  to  be  mutant  in  season  and  out 
of  season  j  to  preach  the  gospel  not  only  at  Thom% 


of  a  faithful  Minister.  63 

but  in  the  surrounding  villages,  where  ever  a  door 
is  opened  for  you  :  but  w h i  1  e  you  arc  thus  enga- 
ged, let  it  not  be  from  motives  of  policy,  merely 
to  increase  your  auditory  ;  but  from  love  to  Christ 
and  the  souls  of  your  fellow-sinners-  It  is  this 
only  that  will  endure  reflection  in  a  dying  hour- 
The  apostle  Paul  was  charged  by  some  of  t;ie  Co- 
rinthian teachers  with  b^ing  crafty,  and  with  hav- 
ing caught  the  Corinthians  with  guile  ;  but  he  could 
say  in  reply  to  all  such  insinuations,  in  behalf  of 
himself  and  his  fellow-labourers,  Our  rejoicing  is 
this,  the  testimony  of  our  conscience,  I  hut  in  sim- 
plicity and  godly  sincerity)  not  with  fleshly  zvis- 
dom,  but  by  the  grace  of  God,  we  have  had  cur  con- 
versation  in  the  world.* 

Value  it  in  the  general  tenor  of  your  behaviour. 
Cultivate  a  meek,  modest,  peaceful,  and  friendly 
temper.  Be  generous  and  humane.  Prove  by 
your  spirit  and  conduct  that  you  are  a  lover  of  all 
mankind.  To  men  in  general,  but  especially  to 
the  poor  and  afflicted,  be  pitiful,  be  courteous.  It 
is  this,  my  brother,  that  will  recommend  the  gospel 
you  proclaim.  Without  this,  could  you  preach 
with  the  eloquence  of  an  angel,  you  may  expect 
that  no  good  end  will  be  answered. 

Prize  the  character  of  a  good  man,  above  world- 
ly greatness. — It  is  not  sinful  for  a  minister  to  pos- 
sess property  any  more  than  ano  her  man  ;  but  to 
aspire  after  it  is  unworthy  of  his  sacred  character. 
Greatness,  unaccompanied  with  goodness,  is  valu- 
ed as  nothing  by  the  great  God.  Kings  and  em- 
pen  rs,  where  thpt  is  wanting,  are  nothing  but 
great  beasts,  horned  beasts,  pushing  one  at  anoth- 
er.*!* When  Sennacherib  vaunted  against  the 
church  of  God,  that  he  would  enter  the  forest  of 

*  2  Cor.  xii.  16,   compared  with  chap.  i.  12.     See  Dr.: 
Owen  on  Heb.  iii.  1.  vol.  ii.  p.  6. 
t  Dan.  viii. 


64     The  Qualifications  and  Encouragement 

her  Carmel,  and  cut  down  her  tall  cedars,  the 
daughter  of  Zion  is  commanded  to  despise  him. 
God  speaks  of  him  as  we  should  speak  of  a  buffalo, 
or  ev^n  of  an  ass,  1 'will  put  my  hook  into  thy  nose, 
and  my  bridle  into  thy  lips,  and  will  turn  thee  back 
'he  way  by  which  thou  earnest*  Outward  great- 
ness, when  accompanied  with  goodness,  may  be 
a  great  blessing;  yet  even  then,  it  is  the  latter, 
and  not  the  former,  that  denominates  the  true 
worth  of  a  character.      Once  more. 

Value  it  above  mental  greatness,  or  greatness  in 
gifts  and  parts. — It  is  not  wrong  to  cultivate  gifts  • 
on  the  contrary,  it  is  our  duty  so  to  do.  But  de- 
sirable as  these  are,  they  are  not  to  be  compared 
with  goodness.  Covet  earnestly  the  brst  gifts,  says 
the  apostle,  and  yet  shew  i  unto  you  a  more 
excellent  way — viz.  charity,  or  love.  If  we  im- 
prove in  gifts  and  not  in  grace,  to  say  the  least,  it 
will  be  useless,  and  perhaps  dangerous,  both  to 
ourselves  and  others.  To  improve  in  gifts,  that 
we  may  be  the  better  able  to  discharge  our  work, 
is  laudable;  but  if  it  be  for  the  sake  of  popular 
appl iitjse,  let  us  expect  a  blast.  Hundreds  of  min- 
ister^ have  been  ruined  by  indulging  a  thirst  for 
the  character  of'  the  great  man,  while  they  have 
neglected  the  far  superior  character  of  the  good 
man.  Another  part  of  the  character  of  Barnabas 
was,  that  be  was, 

II.  Full  of  the  holy  ghost — The  Holy  Ghost 
so;-  enotes    his  extraordinary    gifts,   as    in 

Acts  six. — wh. -re  the  apostle  Paul  put  the  ques- 
tion of  the  belie  ers  In  Christ,  whether  they 
had  received  the  Holy  Ghost  \  but  here  it  signi- 
fies his  md welling  and  ordinary  operations,  or 
what  is  elsewhere  called  an  unction  from  the  Holy 
One  f  I  his,  though  more  common  than  the  other, 
is  far  more  excellent.  Its  fruits,  chough  less  brill- 
jant,  are  abundantly  the  most  valuable.      lo  be  a 

*  Isaia'i  xxxvih  29.  t    I  John,  ii  20. 


ef  a  faithful  Minister.  65 

'tie  to  surmount  a  difficulty  by  Christian  patience, 
is  a  greater  thing  in  the  sight  of  God  than  to  re- 
move a  mountain,  Every  work  of  God  bears 
some  mark  of  Godhead,  even  a  thistle  or  a  nettle  ; 
bin  there  are  some  works  of  God  which  bear  a  pe- 
culiar likeness  to  his  holy  moral  character  ;  such 
were  the  minds  of  men  and  angels  in  their  original 
state.  This  it  ill  serve  to  illustrate  the  suhjec!  in 
hand.  The  extra  rdinary  gits  f  ie  Holy  Spirt, 
an>  i  communication  ot  his  power;  but  in  his 
dw  llingin  the  saints,  and  the  ordinary  operations  cf 
hb ^race,  he  communicates  his  own  holy  nature  ;  & 
this  it  was  of  which  Barnabas  was  full.  To  be  full 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  is  to  be  full  of  the  dove,  as  I 
may  say  ;  or  full  of  those  fruits  of  the  Spirit  men- 
tioned bv  the  apostle  to  the  Gallatians,  viz.  Ijvc, 
joy,  peace,  long- buffering,  gentleness,  goodness* 

To  be  sure,  die  term/**//  is  not  here  to  be  under- 
stood in  an  unlimited  sense  ;  not  in  so  ample  a 
sense  as  when  it  is  applied  to  Christ.  He  was/*/- 
led  with  the  Spirit  without  measure,  but  we  in 
measure.  The  word  is  doubtless  to  be  understood 
in  a.  comparative  sense,  and  denotes  as  much  as 
that  he  was  habitually  under  his  holy  influence.  A 
person  that  is  greatly  under  the  influence  of  the 
love  of  this  world,  is  said  to  be  drunken  with  its 
cares  or  pleasures.  In  allusion  to  something  like 
this,  the  apostle  exhorts  that  we  be  not  drunken 
with  wine,  wherein  is  excess;  but  filled  with 
the  Spirit.*  The  \\oxA  filled  here  is  very  expres- 
sive ;  it  denotes,  I  should  think,  a  being  overcome 
as  it  tvere  with  the  holy  influences  and  fruits  of 
the  blessed  Spirit.  How  necessary  is  ali  this,  my 
brother,  in  your  work  ;  O,  how  necessary  is  an 
unctionfrom  the  Holy  One  t 

l\  is  this  that  will  enable    you  to  en4er    into  the 
.spirit  of  the  gospel^  and  und  preserve  you  f rem  det* 

*  Eph.  v.  18. 
F2 


•; 


66     The  Qualifications  and  Encouragement 

truciive  errors  concerning  it. — Those  who  hare  an 
unction  from  the  Hoi  v  One,  are  said  to  know  all 
things  ;  and  the  anointing  which  they  have  received 
abideth  in  them,  and  they  need  not  that  any  man 
teach  them  :  but,  as  the  same  anointing  teacheih  them 
all  things, and  is  truth,  and  is  no  lie* — We  shall 
naturally  fall  in  with  the  dictates  of  that  Spirit  of 
which  we  are  full.  It  is  for  want  of  this,  in  a  great 
measure,  that  the  scriptures  appear  strange,  and 
foreign,  and  difficult  to  be  understood.  He  that 
is  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  has  the  contents  of  the 
Bible  written,  as  I  maj  say,  upon  his  heart  ;  and 
thus  its  sacred  pages  are  easy  to  be  understood,  as 
wisdom  is  easy  to  him  that  under  standeth. 

Is  it  no  breach  of  charity  to  say,  that  if  the  pro- 
fessors of  Christianity  had  more  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
of  God  id  their  hear  is,  there  would  be  a  greater 
harmony  amongst  them  respecting  the  great  truths 
which  he  has  revealed.  The  rejection  of  such 
doctrines  as  the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin,  the 
total  depravity  of  mankind,  the  proper  Deity  and 
atonement  of  Christ,  justification  by  faith  in  his 
name,  the  freeness  and  sovereignty  of  grace,  and 
the  agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  may  easily  be  ac- 
counted for  upon  this  principle.  If  we  are  desti- 
tute of  the  Holy  Spirit,  we  are  blind  to  the  loveli- 
ness of  the  divine  character,  and  destitute  of  any 
true  love  to  God  in  our  hearts  :  and  if  destitute  of 
this,  we  shall  not  be  able  to  see  the  reasonableness 
of  that  law.  which  requires  love  to  him  with  all  the 
heart  ;  and  then,  of  course,  we  shall  think  lightly 
of  the  nature  of  those  offences  committed  against 
: — we  shall  be  naturally  disposed  to  palliate 
and  excuse  our  want  of  love  to  him,  yea,  and  even 
our  positive  viola' ions  of  his  law  ;  it  will  seem 
bard,  very  bard  indeed,  for  such  little  things  as 
these  to  be  punished  with  everlasting  destruction. 
And  now,  a  I  tins  admitted,  we   shall    naturally  be 

»     i  John  ii.  26, 2ft 


of  a  faithful  Minister.  6  7 

blind  to  the  necessity  and  glory  of  salvation  by 
Jesus  Christ.  If  sin  is  so  trifling  an  affair,  it  will 
seem  a  strange  and  incredible  thing  that  God  should 
become  incarnate  to  atone  for  it.  And  hence  we 
shall  be  very  easily  persuaded  to  consider  Christ 
as  only  a  good  man,  who  came  into  the  world  to 
set  us  a  good  example  ;  or,  however,  that  he  is  not 
equal  with  the  Father.  The  freeness  and  sove- 
reignty of  grace  also,  together  with  justification  by 
imputed  righteousness,  will  be  a  very  strange  sound 
in  our  ears.  Like  the  Jews,  we  shall  go  about  to 
establish  our  own  righteousness,  and  shall  no t  sub- 
mit to  the  righteousness  of  God.  It  will  seem  e- 
qually  strange  and  incredible  to  be  told,  that  we 
are  by  nature  utterly  unfit  for  the  kingdom  of  God 
— that  therefore,  we  must  be  born  again — that  we 
are  so  bad,  that  we  cannot  even  come  to  Christ  for 
life,  except  the  Father  draw  us — yea,  and  that  our 
best  doings,  after  all,  are  unworthy  of  God's  no- 
tice. It  will  be  no  wonder,  if,  instead  of  these 
unwelcome  and  humiliating  doctrines,  we  should 
fall  in  with  those  writers  and  preachers  who  think 
more  favourably  of  our  condition,  and  the  con* 
dition  of  the  world  at  large  ;  who  either  deny  eter-i 
nal  punishment  to  exist,  or  represent  men  in  general, 
as  being  in  lit.le  or  no  danger  of  it.  And  having 
avowed  these  sentiments,  it  will  then  become  ne- 
cessary to  compliment  iheir  abettors  (including 
ourselves  in  the  number)  as  pe  sons  of  a  more  ra- 
tional and  liberal  way  of  thinking  than  other  peo- 
ple. 

My  dear  brother,  of  all  things  be  this  your 
prayer,  Take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  Jrom  me  !  If 
once  we  sink  into  such  a  way  of  performing  our 
public  work,  as  to  do  without  his  enlightening  and 
enlivening  influences,  we  may  goon,  and  probably 
shall  go  on,  from  one  degree  of  evil  to  an  other. 
Knowing  how  to  account  for  the  operations  of  our 
own  minds,  without  imputing  them  to  a  divine  a* 


68     The  Qualifications  and  Encouragement 

gency,  we  shall  be  inclined  in  this  manner  to  ac- 
count for  th  operations  in  the  minds  of  others; 
and  so,  with  numbers  in  the  present  age,  may  soon 
call  in  question  even  whether  there  be  any  lloht 
Ghost. 

But  farther,  a  being  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  will 
give  a  holy  t'neture  to  your  meditation  and  pre  th- 
ing.—  There  is  sue h  a  rung  as  the  mind  being  ha- 
bitually und  r  the  influence  of  divine  things;  and 
retaining  so  much  of  a  savor  of  Christ,  as  that  di- 
vine truths  shall  be  viewed  and  expressed,  as  1  may 
say,  in  their  own  language.  Spiritual  things 
will  be  spiritually  discerned;  and  if  spiritual-y  dis- 
cerned, will  be  >«)  r  u  -diy  communicated.  There 
is  more  in  our  manner  of  thinking  and  speaking 
upon  divine  truih  tfian,  perhaps,  at  first  sight,  we 
are  aware  of.  A  great  part  of  the  phraseology  of 
scripture  is  by  some  accounted  unfit  to  be  addres- 
sed to  a  modern  ear  ;  and  is  on  this  account  to  a 
great  degree  laid  aside,  even  by  those  who  profess 
to  be  satisfied  wi  h  the  sentiments  therein  contain- 
ed. Whatever  may  be  said  in  defence  of  this  prac- 
tice in  a  very  few  instances,  such  as  those  where 
words  in  a  translation  are  become  obsolete,  or  con- 
vey a  different  idea  from  what  they  did  at  the  time 
of  b  ing  trans  ated,  I  am  satisfied  the  practice  in 
in  general  is  very  pernicious.  There  are  mar.y 
sermons  that  cannot  fairly  be  charged  with  un- 
truth, which  vet  have  a  tendency  to  lead  off  the 
mind  from  the  simplicity  of  the  gospel.  If  such 
scripture  terms^  for  instance,  as  holiness,  godi'mess^ 
grace,  believers,  saints,  communion  with  God,  &c. 
should  be  thrown  aside  as  savouring  to  much  of 
cant  and  enthusiasm,  and  such  terms  as  morality  ^ 
virtue,  religion,  good  men,  happiness  of  mind,  &c. 
substituted  in  their  room,  it  will  have  an  amazing 
effect  upon  the  hearersc  s  u      preaching  is  the 

gospel,  it  is  the  gospel  heat  1  enized,    and  will  tend 
to  neaihenize  the  minds  of  those  who  deal  in  it.     I 


of  a  faithful  Minister.  69 

do  not  mean  to  object  to  the  use  of  these  latter 
terms  in  their  place  ;  they  are  some  of  them  scrip- 
tural terms  ;  what  I  object  to  is  patting  them  in 
the  place  of  the  other,  when  discoursing  upon  e- 
vangelical  subjects.  To  be  sure,  there  is  a  way 
of  handling  divine  subjects  after  this  sort  that  is 
very  clever,  and  very  ingenious  ;  and  a  minister 
of  such  a  stamp  may  commend  himself  by  his  in- 
genuity to  many  hearers  :  but  after  all,  God's  truths 
are  never  so  acceptable  and  savoury  to  a  gracious 
heart,  ^s  when  closed  in  their  own  native  phra- 
seology. The  more  you  are  filled,  my  brother, 
with  an  unction  from  the  Holy  One,  the  greater 
relish  you  will  possess  for  that  savoury  manner 
of  conveying  truth  which  is  so  plentifully  exempli- 
fied in  the  holy  scriptures.     Farther, 

It  is  this  that  will  make  the  doctrines  you  preach, 
raid  the  duties  you  inculcate,  seem  fitted  in  your 
hps  ;  I  allude  to  a  saying  of  the  wise  man,  (Prov. 
xxii.  IS.)  The  works  of  the  wise  are  pleasant,  if 
thou  keep  them  within  thee  ;  they  shall  withal  be  fit- 
ted in  thy  lips.  It  is  expected  there  should  be  an 
agreement  between  the  character  of  the  speaker 
and  the  things  which  are  spoken.  Excellent  speech 
becometh  not  a  teoL  Kxhortations  to  holiness  come 
with  an  ill  grace  irom  the  lips  of  one  who  indulges 
himself  in  iniquity.  The  opposite  of  this  is  what 
I  mean  by  the  doctrines  and  duties  of  religion  be- 
ing  fitted  in  your  lips,  his  this  that  will  make  your 
face  shine,  when  you  come  fonh  in  your public 
labours,  like  the  face  of  Moses  when  he  had  been 
conversing  with  God  in  the   hoiy  mount. 

I  is  this  that  will  give  a  spiritual  savour  to  your 
conversation,  inj  our  visits  to  your  friends.--  Hi  ugh 
r<  igiaus  visits  may  be  abused  ;  yet  you  know, 
b.  her,  the  necessity  there  is  for  them,  if  \ou 
w  Id  understand  the  spiritual  condition  o$  thtfse 
mil  lis   you     pr<  <tch  10.      There     are    :  uits 

likewise    that  you   may   discover  in   individuals, 


70     The  Qualifications  and  Encouragement 

which  it  would  br  u.  manly,  as  well  as  unfriendlv, 
to  expose  in  a  pointed  manner  in  the  pulpit,  which 
nevertheless,  ought  not  to  be  passed  by  unnoticed. 
Here  is  work  for  your  private  visits  ;  and,  in  pro- 
pouion  as  you  an.  filled  with  the  Holv  Ghost,  vou 
will  possess  a  spirit  of  love  and  faithfulness,  which 

is  absolutely  necessary  to  successful    reproof It 

is  in  our  private  visits  also  that  we  can  be  free  with 
our  people,  and  they  with  us.  Questions  may  be 
asked  and  answered,  difficulties  discussed,  and 
soul-concerns  talkedover  Pi*l  taught  the  I'phe- 
sians,  not  only  publicly,  but  from  house  to  house* 
Now,  it  is  a  being  full  of  the  Holy  Spirit  that  will 
give  a  spiritual  savour  to  all  this  conversation.  It 
"will  be  as  the  holy  anointing  oil  on  Aaron's  gar- 
ments, which  diffused  a  savour  to  all  around  him. 

It  is  this  that  will  reach  you  how  you  ought  to 
behave  yourself  in  every  department  you.  are  called 
to  occupy,  Jt  will  serve  instead  of  ten  thousand 
rules  ;  and  all  rules  without  it  will  be  of  no  account. 
This  it  is  that  will  teach  you  to  be  of  a  meek,  mdd, 
peaceful,  humble  spirit.  It  will  make  such  a  spir- 
it be  natural  to  you.  As  touching  brotherly  love, 
said  the  apostle  to  the  Ephesians,  you  need  not 
thai  I  write  unto  you.  for  ye  yourselves  are  taught 
of  God  to  love  one  another  J 

In  short,  it  is  this  that  will  denominate  you  the 
?nan  tfGod.  Such  was  Barnabas,  and  such,  my 
brother,  was  your  predecessor,  whose  memory  is 
dear  to  many  of  us  \\  and  such,  according  to  all 
that  I  have  heard,  was  h  s  predecessor,  whose 
memory  is  equally  dear  to    many    here    present. || 

*  Acts  xx.  20.  t  i  Thes.  iv.  9. 

|  The  ttev.  David  Evans,  who  was  ordained  pastor  of 
thechurch  ai  'I horn,  Aug.  7,  1782,  and  died  February  21, 
17Z>7.  a^en  31. 

|;  The  Rev.  Wm>  Butjie'd,  who  was  ordained  pastor  of 
the  chuich  at  Thorn,  Feb  15, 1775,  and  died  March23, 1778$ 
of  the  Small-Pox;  aged  ?©, 


of  a  faithful  Minister.  71 

Each,  in  his  dav,  was  a  burning  and  shining  light ; 
but  they  shine  here  no  more.  May  you,  my  broth- 
er, and  each  of  us,  be  followers  of  them  as  they 
also  were  of  Christ  ! — Another  p<rt  of  the  char- 
acter of  Barnabas  is, 

III.  H<j  was  full  of  faith. — It  may  be  difficult 
to  ascertain  with  precision,  the  real  intent  and  ex- 
tent of  this  term  ;  but  I  should  think,  in  this  con- 
nexion, it  includes  at  least  the  three  following  i- 

as  :  a  mind  occupied  with  divine  sentiment— 
a  beino  rooted  and  grounded  in  the  truth  of  the 
gospel — and  a  daily  living  upon  it.  The  first  of 
these  ideas  distinguished  him  from  those  char- 
acters whose  minds  ore  void  of  principle  ;  the  next 
from  such  who  are  always  hovering  upon  the  bor- 
ders of  skepticism  ;  and  the  last  from  such  who, 
though  they  have  no  marr.er  of  doubts  about  the 
truth  of  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  yet  scarcely 
ever,  if  at  all,  feel  their  vital  hvfluence  upon  their 
hearts  and  lives. — Let  us  review  each  of  thtse  a 
little  more  particularly. — Firs /,  His  mind  was  well 
occupied,  Orsiored  tvi*h  divine  sentiment — How 
necessary  is  this  to  a  gospel  minister  !  It  is  to  be 
feared,  thai  many  young  men  'nave  rushed  into 
the  woik  of  the  Lord  without  any  decided  princii 
pies  of  their  own  ;  yea,  and  have  not  only  set  off 
in  such  a  state  of  mind,  but  have  continued  so  all 
through  their  lives.  Alas,  what  can  the  churches 
expec.  from  such  characters?  What  can  such  a 
1  produce  ?  How  can  we  feed  others  with 
knowledge  and  understanding,  if  we  are  destitute 
of  it  ourselves  ?  To  say  the  least,  such  ministers 
will  be  but  unprofitable  servant*  But  this  is  not 
all  ;  a  minister  that  is  not  inured  to  think  for  him- 
self, is  constantly  exposed  to  every  false  senti- 
ment, or  system,  that  happens  to  be  presented  to 
him  We  sometimes  hear  of  a  person  changing 
his  sentiments ;  and  doubtless,  in  man)  cases,  if  is 
just  and  right  he  should  change  them  ;  but  there 


72     The  Qualification  and  Encouragement 

are  cases  in  which  that  mode  of  speaking  is  very 
improper,  for  in  reality  some  persons  have  no  sen- 
timents of  their  own  to  change  ;  they  have  only 
changed  the  sentiments  of  some  one  great  man 
for  those  of  another. 

Secondly — He  had  a  firm  persuasion  of  the  truth 
of  that  gospel  zvhich    he  preached  to    others. — He 
was  rooted  and  grounded  in  the  gospel.   The  great 
controversy  of  that  day  was,   whether  the  gospel 
was  true  ;  whether  Jesus  was  the  Messiah  ;  whe- 
ther he,  whoso   lately  expired  on  the  cross,   was 
the  Son  of  God  ;  and  whether  his  death  was   the 
way  for  men    to  obtain  eternal  life.     There  were 
great  temptations  for  a  person,   who  should  view 
things  through  a  medium  of   sense,  to  think  oth- 
erwise.     The   popular   opinion  went  against  it — 
To  the    Jews  it  was  a  stumbling-block,  and  to  the 
Greeks  foolishness.     Those    who   adhered  to  the 
gospel,  thereby  exposed  themselves   to  cruel  per- 
secution^.     B't  Barnabas  was  full  offaith — he  was 
decidedly   on  the  Lord's  side — he   believed  on  the 
Son    of  God,  and  had  the  witness   of  the  truth   of 
his  gospel  within  himself* 

Preaching  the  gospel  is  bearing  a  testimony  for 
God  ;  but  we  shall  never  be  able  to  do  this  to  any 
good  purpose,  if  we  be  always  hesitating,  and  in- 
dulging a  skeptical  humour.  There  is  no  need  of 
a  dogmatical  over-bearing  temper  ;  but  there  is 
need  of  being  rooted  and  grounded  in  the  truths  of 
God.  Be  not  carried  abvut,  said  the  apostle  to  the 
Hebrews,  with  strange  doctrines  ;  it  is  a  good 
thing  that  the  heart  be  established  wish  grace. t 
The  contrary  describes  the  character  of  those  who 
are  ever  learning  and  never  able  to  come  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  tnith.l 

Thirdly;  That   gospel,    which  he    preached  to 
others,  he  lived  upon  himself. — The  word  preached, 
• 

*  1  John,  v.         f  Heb.  xiii.  9.         j  2  Tim,  iii,  7. 


of  a  faithful  Minister.  R3 

we  are  told  did  not  profit  some,  because  it  was  not 
mixed  ivith faith  in  them  that  heard  it.  This  will 
equally  hold  good  in  the  case  of  the  preacher  as  of 
the  hearer.  If  we  mix  not  faith  with  the  doctrine 
we  deliver^  it  will  not  profit  us.  Whatever  abil- 
ities we  may  possess,  and  of  whatever  use  we  may 
be  made  to  others,  unless  we  can  say  in  some  sort 
with  the  apostle  John,  That  which  we  have  seen 
with  our  eyes,  and  looked  upon,  and  our  hands  have 
handled  of  the  word  of  life, — that  declare  we  unto  if  oil, 
cur  own  souls  may  notwithstanding  everlastingly 
perish  !  This  is  a  very  serious  matter  ;  and  well 
deserves  our  attention  as  ministers  !  Professors  in 
the  age  of  Barnabas  might  be  tinder  greater  tempt- 
ations than  we  are,  to  question  whether  Jesus  yvy.s 
the  true  Messiah  ;  but  we  are  under  greater 
temptations  than  they  were  of  resting  in  a  mere 
implicit  assent  to  the  Christian  religion,  without 
realizing  and  living  upon  its  important  truths. 

It  is  a  temptation  to  which  »ye  are  more  than  or- 
dinarily exposed,  to  study  divine  truth  as  preach* 
Grs  rather  than  V&  Christians  $  in  other  words,  to 
study  it  for  the  sake  of  finding  out  something  to 
say  to  ethers,  without  so  much  as  thinking  of  prof- 
iting our  own  souls.  If  wc  studied  divine  truths  as 
Christians,  our  being  constantly  engaged  in  the 
service  of  God,  would  he  friendly  to  our  growth 
in  grace.  We  should  be  like  trees  planted  by  the 
rivers  of  waters,  that  bring  forth  fruit  in  their  season  ; 
and  that  ail  that  we  did  vvouid  be  likely  to  pros* 
per*  But  if  we  study  it  only  as  preachers,  it  will 
be  the  reverse-  Our  being  conversant  with  the  Bi- 
ble will  be  like  surgeons  and  sojdiers  being  conver- 
sant with  the  shedding  of  human  blood,  till  they 
iose  all  sensibility  concerning  it.  1^  believe  it  is  a 
fact,  that  where  a  preacher  is  uick  d,  lie  is  gene, 
rally     the  most  hardened  against  eonvittipn   of  any 

*  Ps*.  J.  I.  2.  3. 

G 


74      The  Qualifications  and  Encouragement 


S' 


character  whatever.  Happy  will  it  be  for  us,  if, 
like  Eauubas,  we  are  vdUfjaih  in  that  Saviour 
whom  we  recommend,  in  that  gospel  which  it  is 
our  employment  to  proclaim. 

IV.  We  now  come  to  the  last  part  of  the  sub- 
ject, which  is  held  up  by  way  of  encouragement — 
And  much  people  was  added  unto  the  Lord. — When 
our  ministry  is  blessed  to  the  conversion  of  sinners, 
to  the  bringing  them  off  from  their  connexion 
with  sin  and  self  to  a  vital  union  with  Christ; 
when  our  congregations  are  fiiled  not  merely  with 
professors  of  religion,  but  with  sound  believers 
when  such  believers  come  forward,  and  offer  them- 
selves willingly  for  communion,  saying,  We  will 
go  xvith  you,  for  we  have  heard  that  God  is  with 
you — then  it  may  be  said,  t'^at  much  people  is  ad- 
ded unto  the  Lord.  The  connexion  between  such  ad- 
ditions,andeminency  in  grace  and  holinessinamin- 
ister,  deserves  our  serious  attention. 

I  think  it  may  be  laid  down  as  a  rule,  which  both 
scripture  and  experience  will  confirm,  tha*  eminent 
Spirituality  in  a  minister  is  usually  attended  xvith  em* 
inent  usefulness.  I  do  not  mean  to  say,  our  use- 
fulness depends  upon  our  spirituality,  as  an  effect 
depends  upon  its  cause;  nor  yet  that  it  is  always 
in  proportion  to  it.  Gcd  is  a  sovereign,  and 
frequently  sees  it  proper  to  convince  us  of  it,  in 
variously  bestowing  his  blessing  on  the  means  of 
grace.  But  yet  he  is  not  wanting  in  giving  en- 
couragement to  what  he  approves,  wherever  it  is 
found.  Our  want  of  usefulness  is  often  to  be  as- 
cribed to  our  want  of  spirituality,  much  oftener 
than  to  our  want  of  natural  ability.  God  has  fre- 
quency been  known  to  succeed  men  of  but  rough 
parts  and  abilities,  where  they  have  been  eminent- 
ly holy,  when  he  has  blasted  others  of  much  supe- 
rior talents,  where  that  has  been  wanting.  Hun. 
dreds  of  ministers,  who  on  account  of  their  gifts, 
iave    promised    to    be  shining    characters,    have 


of  a  faithful  Minister.  75 

proved  the  reverse  ;  and  all  owing  to  such  things  as 
pride,  un watchfulness*  carnality,  and  levity. 

Eminency  in  grace,  my  brother,  will  contribute 
to  your  success  in  three  ways — 

First,  It  will  fire  your  soul  with  holy  love  to 
Chris*,  and  the  souls  qf?nen  ;  and  such  a  spirit  is 
usually  attended  with  success. — I  believe  you  will 
iind,  that  in  almost  all  the  great  works  which  God 
hath  wroughtinany  period  of  time,  he  has  hon  Hir- 
ed men  of  this  character,  by  making  them  his  in- 
struments.  In  the  midst  of  a  sore  calamity  up-jti 
the  murmuring  Israelites,  when  God  was  inclined 
to  shew  mercy,  it  was  by  the  means  of  his  servant 
Aaron  running  with  a  censer  of  fire  in  his  hand, 
and  standing  between  the  living  and  the  dead  !^ 
The  great  reformation  that  was  brought  about  in 
the  days  ofHezekiah,  was  by  the  instrumentality  of 
a  man  who  wrought  that  which  was  good,  and  right, 
and  true  before  the  Lord  his  God — and  then  it  fol« 
lows,  And  in  every  work  that  he  began  in  the  ser- 
vice of  the  house  of  God,  and  in  the  law* 
and    in    the  commandments,    to  seek     his   God, 

HE   DID  IT    WITH     ALL    HIS    HEART,    and    PROSPER- 
ED.f 

There  was  another  greatreformation  in  the  Jew- 
ish church,  about   the  time  of  their   return  from 
Babylon.     One  of  the  chief   instruments    in   this 
work  was  Ezra,  a  ready   scribe   in    the  law  of  his 
God  ;  a  man  who  had  prepared  his   heart  to    seek 
♦  he  law  of  the  Lord,  and  to    do  it,    and    to     teacii 
in  Israel  statutes  und  judgments  ; — a  man  who  fas- 
ted and  prayed  at  the  river  Ahava  previous  to  his 
great  undertaking  ;- — a   man   who  was   afterwards 
sorely  astonished,  and  in  heaviness,  and  would  eat 
no  meat  nor  drink  water,  but  fell  upon  his  knees, 
an  .1  spread  out  his  hands  unto  the  Lord    his   God, 
*n    account    of   the    transgressions   of  the   peo 

*N$raifr.  xvi.  46—50.  if  2  Chro.  xxxi.  20,  2U     _> 


•76  The   Qualifications  and  Encouragement 

pie.*  Another  great  instrument  in  this  work  was 
Nehemiah,  a  man  that  devoted  himself  wholly  to 
the  service  of  God  and  his  people,  labouring 
night  and  day  ;  that  was  nor  to  be  seduced  by 
the  intrigues  of  God's  adversaries,  nor  yet  intimi- 
dated by  their  threatenings,  but  persevered  in  his 
work  tiil  it  was  finished,  closing  bis  labours  with 
this  solemn  prayer  and  appeal,  Think  upon  me,  O 
my  God,  for  good,  according  to  all  that  I  have 
done  for  this  people. % 

Time  would  fail  me  to  speak  of  all  the  great 
souls,  both  inspired  and  uninspired,  whom  the 
King  of  kings  hath  delighted  to  honour — *of  Paul, 
unci  Peter ,  and  their  companions  ;  of  Wickbjf,  and 
Luther  ,and  C'a'vin,  and  many  others  at  the  refor- 
mation ;  of  Ettiot,  and  Edzvarcls,  and  Brainerd, 
and  Whi'efield)  and  hundreds  more,  whose  name  are 
held  in  deserved  esteem  in  the  Church  of  God. 
These  were  men  of  God,  men  who  had  great  grace 
as  well  as  gifts,  whose  hearts  burned  in  love  to  Christ 
and  the  souls  of  men.  They  looked  upon  their  hear- 
ers as  their  Lord  had  done  upon  Jerusalem,  and  wept 
over  them, —In  this  manner  they  delivered  their 
messages,  and  much  people  was  added  unto  thelord. 

Secondly,  Eminency  in  grace  will  direct  your 
ends  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  welfare  of  men's 
souls  ;  and  where  this  is  the  case  it  is  usually  at- 
tended with  a  blessing.  These  are  ends  which 
God  himself  pursues,  and  if  we  pursue  the  same, 
we  are  labourers  together  with  God,  and  may  hope 
for  his  blessing  to  attend  our  labours  ;  but  if  we 
pursue  separate  and  selfish  ends,  we  walk  contrary 
to  God,  and  may  expect  that  God  will  walk  con- 
trary to  us.  Whatever  apparent  success  may  at- 
tend a  man's  labours,  whose  ends  are  evil,  all  is  to 
be  suspected  :  either  the  success  is  not  genuine, 
or  if  it  be,  it  is  not  in  a  way  of  blessing  upon  him, 

*  Ezra  vii*  1  *  rim.  19.  ix  5.  x.  S.  J  Nell.  iii.  iv.  v.    &  yi. 


of  a  faithful  Minuter.  77 

-Dor  snail  it  turn  out  at  last  to  bis  account.  It  must 
be  an  inexpressible  satisfaction,  brother,  to  be  a~ 
bleto  say,  as  the  primitive  ministers  and  apostles 
did,  James,  a  servant  of  God, — Paul  a  servant  of 
Jesus  Christ. — We  seek  not  yours,  but  you  ! 

Lastly,  Eminency  in  grace  will  enable  you  t& 
bear  prosperity  in  your  ministry  without  being 
lifted  up  with  it  ;  and  so  contributes  towards  it. — 
It  is  written  of  Christ  in  prophecy,  He  shall 
build  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  and  shall  bear  the 
glory — He  does  bear  it  indeed  ;  but  to  bear  glo- 
ry without  being  elated  is  no  easy  thing  for  us,  I 
am  often  afraid  lest  this  should  be  one  considerable 
reason  why  most  of  us  have  no  more  real  success 
in  our  work  than  we  have  ;  perhaps  it  is  not  safe 
for  us  to  be  much  owned  of  God  ;  perhaps  we 
have  not  grace  enough  to  bear  prosperity  ! 

My  dear  brother,  permit  me  to  close  the  whole 
with  a  word  cr  two  of  serious  advice. — Fir^t, 
watch  over  your  own  soul  as  well  as  the  souls  of 
your  people.  Do  not  forget  that  thought,  that 
it  is  a  temptation  to  which  ministers  are  peculiar- 
ly liable,  whi'e  they  keep  the  vineyard  of  others, 
to  neglect  their  own. — Farther,  Know  your  own 
weakness,  and  depend  upon  Christ's  ali-suffieien- 
cy.  Your  work  is  great,  your  trials  may  be  ma- 
ny ;  but  let  not  your  heart  be  discouraged.  Tle- 
me ruber  what  was  said  to  the  apostle  Paul,  My 
grace  is  sufficient  for  thee,  my  strength  is  tnade 
perfect  in  weakness ; — and  tLw  reflection  which  he 
makes  upon  it,  When  lam  weak,  then  am  I 
strong.*— Finally,  be  often  looking  to  the  end  of 
your  course,  and  viewing  yourself  as  giving  ao 
account  of  your  stewardship.  We  must  all  ap- 
pear before  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ,  and  give 
account  of  the  deeds  done  in  the  body.  Perhaps 
there  is  no  thought  more  solemn  than   this,   mere 

*  2  Cor.  xiii.  9,  10. 


78  The  Qualifications  and  Encouragement,  &c, 

.suitable  to  be  kept  in  view  in  all  our  undertak- 
ings, more  awakening  in  a  thoughtless  hour,  ©r 
more  cheering  to  an  upright  heart. 

I  have  only  to  request,  by  dear  brother,  that 
you  will  excuse  the  freedom  of  this  plain  address. 
I  have  not  spoken  so  much  to  instruct  you  in 
things  which  you  know  not,  as  to  remind  and  im- 
press you  with  things  which  you  already  know. 
The  Lord  bless  you,  and  grant  that  the  solemni- 
ties of  this  day  may  ever  be  remembered  both  by 
you,  and  your  people,  with  satisfaction.-  Amen, 


SERMON  I*. 


The  pernicious  Influence  of  Delay  in  ReUgi&iti 
Concerns. 


Haggai  i.  2. 

Thus  speaketh  the  Lord  of Hosts,  saying ,  This  peer 
pie  say,  the  time  is  not  come,  the  time  that  the 
Lord's  house  should  be  buUc, 

WHEN  the  children  of  Jadah  were  delivered 
from  their  captivity,  and  allowed  by  the  procla- 
mation of  Cyrus  to  return  to  their  own  land,  one 
of  the  principal  things  which  attracted  their  at- 
tention was  the  re-building  of  the  house  of  God, 
which  had  been  destroyed  by  the  Babylonians. 
This  was  a  work  which  Cyrus  himself  enjoined, 
and  which  the  hearts  of  the  people  were  much  set 
upon.  It  was  not  however  to  bo  accomplished 
at  once  ;  and  as  the  worship  of  God  was  a  mattes 
of  immediate  and  indispensable  concern,  they  set 
up  an  altar y  on  which  to  offer  sacrifices*  and  offer- 
ings, till  such  time  as  the  temple  should  be  built. 

in  the  second  year  after  their  return,  the  foun- 
dation of  the  Lord's  house  was  laid  ;  but  opposi- 
tion being  made  to  it  by  the  adversaries  of  Judah 
and  Benjamin,  the  work  ceased  all  the  days  of  Cy- 
rus, until  the  reign  of  Darius,  commonly  distin- 
guished by  the  name  of  Darius-  Hystas pis \  Dur- 
ing this  period,  which  seems  to  have  been  about 
fourteen  years,  the  people  sunk  into  a  spirit  of  in- 
difference. At  first  they  desisted  from  necessity  ; 
but  afterwards,  their  attention  being  turned  to  the 


80        The  pernicious  Influence  tfDtiay 

building  and  ornamenting  of  houses  for  them- 
selves, they  seemed  very  well  contented  that  the 
house  of  the  Lord  should  lie  waste.  For  this  their 
temper  and  conduct,  the  land  was  smitten  with 
barrenness  ;  so  that  both  the  vintage  and  the  har- 
vest failed  them  God  also  raised  up  Ifaggai and 
Zechariah  to  go  and  remonstrate  aga  nst  their  su- 
pineness  ;  and  the  efforts  of  these  two  prophets 
wer*:  the  means  of  stiring  up  the  people  to  resume 
the  work  * 

The  argument  which  the  people  used  against 
building  the  house  of  God,  was,  th&t  the  time  xvas 
not  come.  It  is  possible  they  waited  for  a  coun- 
ter order  from  the  Persian  court  ;  if  so,  they 
might  have  waited  long  enough.  A  work  of  that 
nature  ough  to  have  been  pr  t&ecuted  of  their  own 
accord  ;  at  least  they  should  have  tried  It  did 
not  follow,  because  they  were  hindered  once, 
therefore  they  should  never  succeed.  Or,  per- 
haps, they  meant  to  plead  their  pre:>ent  weakness 
and  poverty- — Something  like  this  seesis  to  be 
implied  in  the  fourth  verse,  where  they  are  re- 
minded that  they  had  streng  h  enough  to  build 
and  ornament  houses  for  themselves.  It  looks 
as  if  they  wished  to  build,  and  lay  by  fortunes  for 
themselves  and  their  families,  and  then,  at  some 
future  time,  they  might  contribute  for  the  build- 
ing of  the  house  of  God- 

There  is  something  of  this  procrastinating  spi)r« 
it  that  runs  through  a  great  part  of  our  life,  and 
is  of  great  detriment  to  us  in  the  work  of  GocJ. 
We  know  of  many  things  that  should  be  done;, 
and  cannof  in  conscience  directly  oppose  thern^ 
but  still  we  find  excuses  for  our  own  inactivity. 
While  we  admit  that  many  things  should  be  done 
whicharenot  done,  we  are  apt  to  quiet  ourselves 
with  the  thought  that  they  need  not  be  doae   just 

*  See  ike  fti\  iv.  atrd  v.  c&aptc«  of  Bzjz. 


in  Religious  Concerns.  ftl 

jtow. — The  time  is  not  come,  the  time  that  the  Lord"* s 
house  should  be  built. 

In  discoursing  to  you  upon  the  subject,  breth- 
ren, I  shall  take  notice  of  a  few  of  the  most  re- 
markable cases  in  which  this  spirit  is  discover- 
ed,— and  then  endeavour  to  shew  its  evil  nature, 
and  dangerous  tendency. 

In  respect  to  the  cases,  OR  instances,  in 
which  IT  is  discovered,  a  small  degree  of  obser- 
vation on  mankind,  and  of  reflection  upon  the 
workings  of  our  own  hearts,  will  furnish  us  with 
many  of  these,  and  convince  us  of  its  great  influ- 
ence on  every  description  of  men,  in  almost  ait 
their  religious  concerns — Particularly, 

First,  It  is  by  this  plea  that  a  great  part  of 
mankind  are  constantly  deceiving  themselves  in 
respect  to  a  serious  attention  to  their  souls'  con- 
cerns.— The  concerns  of  our  souls  are  doubtless 
of  the  last  importance;  and  there  are  times  in 
which  most  men  not  only  acknowledge  this  truth, 
but  in  jome  sort  feel  the  force  of  it.  This  is  the 
case  especially  with  those  who  have  had  a  religious 
education,  and  have  been  used  to  attend  upon  the 
preaching  of  the  gospel.  They  hear  from  the 
pulpit  that  men  must  ha  born  again,  must  be  con- 
verted, and  become  as  little  children,  or  never 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God.  Or  the  same 
things  are  impressed  upon  them  By  some  threat- 
ening affliction,  or  alarming  providence.  They 
feel  themselves  at  those  times  very  unhappy  ; 
and  it  is  not  unusual  for  them  to  resolve  upon  a 
sacrifice  of  their  former  sins,  and  a  serious  and 
close  attention  in  future  to  the  affairs  of  their  souls. 
They  think,  while  under  these  impressions,  they 
Will  consider  their  ways,  they  wi/l  enter  their  fclo- 
sets,  and  shut  to  the  door,  and  pray  unto  the  Lord 
that  he  would  have  mercy  upon  them  ;  but  alas, 
no  sooner  do  they  retire  from  the  house  of  God, 
»r recover  from  their  affliction,  but  the  impression 


iS         "The  pernicious  InJJ  uence  of  Delay 

begins  to  subside,  and  then  matters  of  this  sort 
become  less  welcome  to  the  mind.  They  must 
Bot  be  utterly  rejected,  but  are  let  alone  for  the 
.present.  As  conscience  becomes  less  alarmed, 
and  danger  is  viewed  at  a  greater  distance,  the 
sinner  by  degrees  recovers  himself  from  his  fright, 
and  dismisses  his  religious  concern  in  some  such 
manner  as  Felix  did  his  reprover  ;  Go  thy  war 
for  this  time,  and  when  I  have  a  convenient  season 
I  will  send  for  thee. 

It  is  thus  wich  the    ardent  youth.  —  Id    the   hour 
€>f  serious  reflection,    he   feels    that  religion  is  of 
importance;  but  his  heart,  still  averse  to  what   his 
concience  recommends,  rises  against  the  thought 
of  sacrificing  the  prime  of  life  to  the  gloomy  du- 
ties of  prayer  and  self-denial.     He   does    not   re- 
solve never   to   attend    to    these  things,  but    the 
time  does  not  seem  to  be  come.     He   hopes    that 
God  Alaaighty  will  excuse  him  a  few  years  at  least, 
and  impute  his  excesses  to  youthful  folly  and  im- 
becility,— It  is  thus  with   the  man  of  business.— 
There  are  times  in  which  he  is  obliged   to    retire 
from   the   hurry   of   life   ;    and     at    those   times, 
thoughts  ofanother  life  may  arrest    his  attention. 
Conscience  at  those  intervals  may  smite   him   for 
his  living  without  prayer,  without  reflection,  with- 
out God  in  all  his  thoughts  ;  and  what  is   his  rem- 
edy r    Does  he  lament  his  sin,  and  implore  mercy 
through    our    Lord    Jesus   Christ  ?     No,    nor    so 
aiuch  as  promise  to  forsake  it    immediately  ;  but 
this  he  promises,  that  when  thisbusy  time  is  over^ 
and  that  favourite  point  is  gained,  and  thoseintrU 
eate  affairs  are  terminated,  then  it  shall  be   other- 
wis?. — -It  is  thus  with  persons  in   single  life,  they 
will  be  better  when  they  get  settled  in  the  world; 
— ir     is  thus    with  the    incumbered    parent,    s 
locks  forward  to  the  time  icr    family   shall 

get  off, her  hands ;  yea,  it  is  thus  with  the 
ard  and  the  debauchee,  wearied  is  their  own  way, 


in  religious  Concerns.  g£ 

they  intend  to  leid  a  new  life  as  soon  as  they  can 
but  shake  off  their  ok!  connexions  ; — in  short,  it- 
is  thus  with  great  numbers  in  all  our  towns,  and 
villages,  and  congregations  ;  they  put  off  the  great 
concern  to  another  time,  and  think  they  may 
venture  at  least  a, little  longer,  till  all  is  over  with 
them,  and  a  dying  hour  just  awakens  them,  like 
the  virgins  in  the  parable,  to  bitter  reflection  cui 
their    own  fatal   folly 

But,  Secondly,  This  plea  not    only   affects   the 
unconverted,  but  prevents  us  all  from  undertak- 
ing any  great  or  good  work  For  the  cause1  of  Christ, 
or  the  good  of  mankind.— We    see    many    things 
that  should  be  done,    but  there  are    difficulties    in 
the  way,  and  we  wait   for  these  difficulties   being 
all  removed.      We  are  very  apt  to  indulge  a  kind 
of  prudent  caution  (so  we   call  it)    which  foresees 
and  magnifies  difficulties  bey  ond  what  they  really 
are.     It  is  granted  there  may  bo  such  things  in  the 
way  of  an  undertaking,  as  may  render    it    imprac- 
ticable, and  in  that  case  it  is  bur  duty  for   the  pre- 
sent to  standstill  ;  but  it  becomes  us  to  beware  lest 
we  account  that  impracticable  which  only  requires 
such  a  degree  of  exertion  as  we  are  not  inclined  to 
give  to  it. — Perhaps    the  work    requires  expense, 
and  covetousness  says,  wait  a   little    longer,  till  I 
have  gained  so  and  so  in  trade,  till  I  have    render- 
ed my  circumstances  respectable,  and  settled    my 
children  comfortably    in    the    world       But  is    not 
this   like  ceiling  our  own  houses,   while  the   house 
of  God  lies  wa  te  ? — Perhaps   it  requires   concur- 
rence, and  we  wait  for  every  body  being  of  a  mind, 
which  is  never  to  be  expected.     He  who,  through 
a  dread  of  opposition  and  reproach,  desists    from 
known  duty,  is  in  danger  of  bemg  found  amongst 
the  fearful,  the  unbelieving,    and   the  abomina- 
ble. 

Had  Luther,  and  lus  cotemporaries,    acted   up- 
oil  this  principle,  they  had  never  gone  about   the 


3i       TJie  pernicious  Influence  of  Delay 

glorious  work  of  Reformation.  When  he  saw 
the  abominations  of  popery,  he  might  have  said, 
"These  things  ought  not  to  he,  but  what  can  I  do  f 
If  the  chief  priests  and  rulers  in  different  nations 
but  unite,  something  might  be  effected  ;  but  what 
can  I  do,  an  individual,  and  a  poor  man  ?  I  may 
render  myself  an  object  of  persecution,  or,  which 
is  worse,  of  universal  con  tempt,  and  what  good 
end  will  be  answered  by  it  ?"  Had  Luther  reason- 
ed thus,  had  he  fancied  that  because  princes  and 
prelates  were  not  the  first  to  engage  in  the  good 
work,  therefore  the  time  was  not  come  to  build  the 
house  of  the  Lord  ;  the  house  of  the  Lord,  for  any 
thing  he  had  done,  might  have  lain  waste  to  this 
day. 

Instead  of  waiting  for  the  removal  of  difficulties, 
we  ought  in  many  cases  to  consider  them  as  pur- 
ely laid  in  our  way,  in  order  to  try  the  sincerity 
of  our  religion*  He  who  had  all  power  in  heaven 
and  earth,  could  have  not  only  sent  forth  his  apos- 
tfes  into  all  the  world,  but  have  so  ordered  it  that 
all  the  world  should  treat  them  with  kindness,  and 
aid  them  in  their  mission  ;  but  instead  of  that,  he 
tcld  them  to  lay  their  accounts  with  persecution 
and  the  loss  of  all  things.  This  wps,  no  doubt,  to 
try  their 'sincerity  ;  and  tfyc  difficulties  ia'd  in  our 
way  are  equally  designed  to  try  ours. 

Let  it  be  considered  whether  it  is  not  owing  to 
this  principle  that  so  few  and  so  fee,ble  efforts  have 
been  made  for  the  propagation  of  the  gospel  in  the 
world.  When  the  Lord  Jesus  commissioned  his 
apostles,  he  commanded  them  to— Go,  and  teach 
all  nations  fo  preach  the  gospel  to  every  crea- 
ture ;  and  that  notwithstanding  the  difficulties  anc} 
opposition  that  would  lie  in  the  way.  The  apos- 
tles exec  ir  commissron  with  assiduity  and 
fidelity  :  but  sitice  their  days,  we  seem  to  sit 
dpwn  half  contented  that  the  greater  part  of  the 
v  -                   ;  still  remain  in  ignorance  and  idola! 


in  Religious  Concerns.  83 

Some  noble  efforts  indeed  have  been  made,  but 
they  are  but  small  in  number  when  compared  with 
the  magnitude  of  the  object.  And  why  is  it  so  ? 
Are  the  souls  of  men  of  less  value  than  heretofore  ? 
No.  Is  Christianity  Jess  true,  or  less  important 
than  in  former  ages  ?  This  will  not  be  pretended. 
Are  there  no  opportunities  for  societies,  or  indi- 
viduals in  Christian  nations,  to  convey  the  gospel 
to  the  heathens  ?  This  cennot  be  pleaded  so  long 
as  opportunities  are  found  to  trade  with  them,  yea, 
and  what  is  a  disgrace  to  the  name  of  Christians, 
to  buy  them,  and  sell  them,  and  treat  them  with 
worse  than  savage  barbarity  !  We  have  opportu- 
nities in  abundance  ;  the  improvement  of  naviga- 
tion, and  the  maritime  and  commercial  turn  of 
this  couuntry,  furnish  us  with  these  ;  and  it  de- 
serves to  be  consider  d,  whether  this  is  not  a  cir- 
cumstance that  renders  it  a  duty  peculiarly  bind- 
ing upon  us 

The  troth  is,  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  we  wait  for 
we  know  not  what  ;  we  seem  to  think  the  time  is 
not  come,  the  time  for  the  Spirit  to  be  poured  doxon 
from  on  high.  We  pray  far  the  conversion  and 
salvation  oi  the  world,  and  yet  neglect  the  ordina- 
ry means  by  which  those  ends  have  been  used  to 
be  accomplished.  It  pleased  God,  heretofore,  by 
thci  foolishness  of  preaching,  to  save  them  that  be* 
Ijeved  ;  snd  there  is  reason  to  think  it  will  still 
phase  God  to  work  by  that  distinguished  mean. 
Ought  we  not  then  to  try,  at  least,  by  some  means, 
to  coavey  more  of  the  goo;!  tidings  of  salvation  to 
the  worid  around   us,'*   than  have    hitherto    been 

*  It  may  not  be  amiss  to  inform  the  reader,  that  at  the 
time  of  the  above  discourse  being-  delivered,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Carey  of  Leicester,  waft  present.  After  worship,  when 
the  ministers  were  together,  he  moved  the  question, 
u  Whether  torn  ght  not.  he  done  in  the  way  qfsc?i- 

ding    the  gosfte'l  into   the  hear  hen   world   ?     Jt   was  well 
mi  at  the  same  time  that  Mr.  Carey  had  written  a  judi- 
H 


86       The  peni'moiis  Influence  of  Delay 

conveyed?  Thfr  encouragement  to  the  heathen  is 
Still  in  force,  WJbosoev  r  shall  cail  upon  the  name 
of  the  Lord  sba  1  be  saved  ;  but  how  shall  they  call 
on  him  it)  whom  they  have  nor  believed  ?  And  how 
shall  they  believe  in  him  of  whom  they  have  not 
heard  r  And  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  prea- 
cher ?  And  how  shall  they  preach  except  they  be 
sent  ?   Rom.  x    13- — 15. 

Let  it  be  farther  considered,  whether  it  is  not 
awing  to  this  principle  that  so  few  and  so  feeble 
efforts  are  made  for  the  propagation  of  the  gospel 
in  places  within  our  reach. — There  are  many  dark 
places  in  our  own  lard,  places  where  priests  and 
p  cple,  it  is  to  be  feared,  are  al^ke  destiute  of  true 
religion,  all  locking  to  their  own  way,  every  one 
for  his  gain  from  his  quarter.  Were  every  friend 
of  Jes?is  Christ  to  avail  himself  of  that  liberty 
which  the  laws  of  his  country  allow  him,  and  em- 
brace every  opportunity  for  the  dissemination  of 
evangelical  principles,  what  effects  might  we  hope 
to  see  ?  Were  every  true  minister  of  the  gospel 
to  make  a  point  of  preaching  as  often  as  possible 
in  the  villages  within  his  reach,  and  were  those 
private  Christians  who  are  situated  in  such  villa- 
ges o  open  their  doors  for  preaching,  and  recom- 
ir.end  the  gospel  by  a  holy  and  affectionate  be- 
haviour, might  we  not  hope  to  see  the  wilderness 
become  as  a  fruitful  field  ?  Surely  in  th<  se  matters 
we  are  too  negligent. — And  when  we  do  preach  to 
the  unconverted,  we  do  not  feel  as  if  we  were  to 
do  any  good.  We  are  as  if  we  knew  not  how  to 
get  at  the  hearts  and  consciences  of  people.  We 
cast  the  net,  without  so  much  as  expecting  a 
dra;-ht.     We  are  as   those  who  cannot  find  their 

o 

cious  piece  upon  the  subject,  which  he  had  by  him  in  man- 
uscript, shewiRg  the  dut\  of  Christians  in  that  matter,  and 
the  practicability  of  the  undertaking.  It  was  therefore  a- 
greed,  as  the  fimstep  proper tobe  taken,  that  Mr,  Car£y 
&£  requested  to  revise  and  print  his  manuscript. 


in  Religious  Concerns,  87 

hands  in  the  day  of  battle  ;  who  go  forth  not  like 
men  mured  to  conquest,  but  rather  like*  those  in- 
ured  ro  defeat.  Whence  arises  all  this  r  Is  it  not 
owing,  a  least  a  considerable  degree  of  it,  to  a  no- 
tion we  have,  that  thh-  time  is  not  come  for  any 
thu  g  considerable  to  he  effected  ? 

Ihir  ly,  It  is  this  plea  that  keep,  many  from  a 
p  *.  ic  profession  of  religion,  by  a  practical  ad- 
kn  wledgment  of  Chrut*  Christ  requites  of  his 
foS  owers  that  they  confess  his  name  before  men, 
that  they  be  baptized,  and  commemorate  his  dy- 
ing love  in  the  ordinance  of  the  Sup,  er  Yet  there 
are  many  who  consider  them>elves  as  Christians, 
and  are  considered  so  by  others,  who  still  live  in 
the  neglect  of  these  ordin^nce^.  I  speak  not  now 
©f  those  who  consider  themselves  as  having  bee© 
baptized  in  their  infancy,  but  of  such  who  admit 
adult  immersion  to  be  the  only  true  bapdsm,  and 
yet  do  not  practise  it,  nor  hold  communion  wjth 
any  particular  church  of  Christ.  It  is  painful  to 
think  there  should  be  a  description  of  prof  ssed 
Christians,  who  live  in  the  neglect  of  Christ's  com- 
mands. What  can  be  the  motives  of  such  neg- 
lect ?  Probably  they  are  various  ;  there  is  one, 
however,  that  must  have  fallen  under  your  obser- 
vation, that  is,  the  want  of  some  powerful  impres- 
sion upon  the  mind,  impelling  them,  as  it  were,  to 
a  compliance.  Many  persons  wait  for  something 
of  this  sort,  and  because  they  go  from  year  to  year 
without  it,  conclude  that  the  time  is  not  come,  or 
that  it  is  not  the  mind  of  God  that  they  should 
comply  with  those  ordinances,  at  least  that  they 
should  comply  with  them  at  present.  Impres- 
sions, it  is  allowed,  are  desirable,  provided  it  be 
truth  or  duty  that  is  impressed,  otherwise  they  de- 
serve no  regard  ;  but  be  ihey  as  desirable  as  they 
may,  the  want  of  them  can  never  justify  our  liv- 
ing in  the  neglect  of  known  duty.  Nor  are  they 
at  all  adapted  to  shew  us  what  is  duty,  but  :: 


83       The  pernicious  Influence  of  Delay 

)y  to  excite  to  the  performance  of  that  which  may 
be  proved  to  be  duty  without  them.  We  might 
as  well  wait  for  impressions,  and  conclude  from 
the  want  of  them  that  the  time  is  not  come  for  the 
performance  of  other  duties,  as  those  of  baptism 
and  the  Lord's  supper. 

Some  are  kept  from  a  public  profession  of 
Christ's  name  by  mere  mercenary  motives.  They 
hare  relations  and  friends  that  would  be  offended. 
The  fear  of  being  disinherited,  or  injured  in  some 
sort  as  to  worulv  circumstances,  has  made  many 
a  person  keep  his  principles  to  himself,  till  such 
time  as  th*  party  whose  displeasure  he  fears  shall 
be  removed  out  of  the  way.  This  is  wicked,  as  it 
amounts  to  a  denial  of  Christ  before  men,  and  will 
fio  doubt  expose  the  party,  if  he  die  without  re- 
pentance for  it,  to  a  being  denied  by  Christ  be- 
fore his  father  at  the  last  day.  Lord,  said  one,  I 
will  follow  thee,  but  let  me  first  go  and  bury  my 
father — let  me  first  go  and  bid  them  farewell  wh© 
are  at  home,  sa^s  another.  Jesus  answered,  Let 
the  dead  bury  their  dead,  follow  thou  me — No 
man,  having  put  his  hand  to  the  plough,  and 
(poking  back,   is  fit  for  the  kingdom  of  God."* 

Fourthly,  It  is  this  plea  that  keeps  us  from  a 
thorough  self  examination,  and  self  denial. — The 
importance  of  being  right  in  the  sight  of  God,  and 
our  liability  to  err,  even  in  the  greatest  of  all  con- 
cerns, renders  a  close  and  frequent  enquiry  into  our 
spiritual  sta^e  absolutely  necessary,  h  is  a  danger- 
ous as  well  as  an  uncomfortable  life  to  be  always  m 
>ense,  not  knowing  what,  nor  where  we  are,  nor 
whither  we  are  going.  There  are  seasons  too  in 
which  we  feel  the  importance  of  such  an  enquiry,  and 
think  we  vj'rfi  go  about  it,  we  will  search  and  try  our 
ways,  and  turn  from  our  sins,  and  walk  more 
closely  with  God.     Such  thoughts  will  occur  when 

*  Luke  ix.  59—62. 


in  Religious  Concerns.  89 

we  hear  matters  urged  home  upon  us  from  the  pul- 
pit, or  when  some  affecting  event  draws  off  our 
attention  from  the  present  world,  and  causes  us 
to  reflect  upon  ourselves  for  our  inordinate  anxie- 
ty after  it.  We  think  of  living  othenvise  than  we 
have  done  5  but  when  we  come  to  put  our  thoughts 
into  execution,  we  find  a  number  of  difficulties  iu 
the  way,  which  too  often  deter  us,  at  leasr/ar  the 
present.  €i  Here  is  an  undertaking  that  miut  first 
be  accomplished  before  I  can  have  time ;  here  is  also 
a  troublesome  aff'ir  that  I  must  ^et  through  before 
I  can  decomposed;  and  then,  here  are  such  temp- 
tations that  I  know  not  how  to  get  over  just  now— 
if  I  wait  a  little  longer,  perhaps  they  maj  be  re- 
moved." Alas,  alas,  thus  we  befool  ourselves! 
thus  we  put  it  oft*  to  another  time,  till  the  impres- 
sions on  our  minds  are  worn  off,  and  then  we  are 
less  able  to  attend  to  those  things  than  we  were  at 
first.  As  one  who  puts  off  the  examination  of  his 
accounts,  and  the  retrenchment  of  his  expenses, 
till  all  on  a  sudden  he  is  involved  in  a  bankruptcy; 
so  ilo  multitudes  in  the  religious  world  neglrct  a 
close  inspection  into  their  souls'  concerns,  till  at 
length,  either  a  departure  from  some  of  the  great 
principles  of  the  gospel,  or  some  foul  and  open 
fail,  is  the  consequence. 

Finally,  It  is  t his  principle  that  keeps  us  from 
preparedness  for  death,  a  being  ready  when  our 
Lord  shall  come. —  There  is  nothing  that  Christ 
has  more  forcibly  enjoined  than  this  duty. — Be  ye 
also  ready,  for  at  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not,  the 
Son  of  man  cometli  — What  I  say  unto  you  I  say 
unto  all,  Watch.  Why  do  we  not  immedi- 
ately feel  the  force  of  these  charges,  and  betake 
ourselves  to  habitual  watchfulness,  and  pi\ 
and  selt-denia),  and  walking  with  God  ?  Why  are 
we  not  as  men  who  wait  for  the  coming  of  then* 
Lord  ?  Is  it  not  fro:;j  a  secret  thought,  thai  the 
time,  is  not  come  ?      We  kooW  we  must  die,    but 

H  2 


90        The  pernicious  Influence  of  Delay 

vre  consider  it  as  something  at  a  distance  ;  and 
thus  imagining  that  our  Lord  delayeth  his  com- 
ing we  delay  to  prepare  to  meet  him,  so  that 
when  he  cometh  he  ftndeth  us  in  contusion.  In- 
stead of  our  loins  being  girt,  and  our  lights  burning, 
we  are  engaged  in  a  number  of  plans  and  pursuits 
to  the  neglect  of  those  things,  which,  notwithstand- 
ing fhe  necessary  avocations  of  life,  ought  always 
:o    ngross  our  supreme  attention. 

But  let  us  next  proceed  to  consider  the  evil 
mature  and  da>:gi£ROUS  tendency  of  this  pro- 
crastinating temper. 

I  need  not  say  much  to  prove  to  you  that  it  is  a 

sin;     The  conscience  of  every  one  of  you  will  as- 

me  in    that  part  of  the  work.       It  is  proper, 

vever,  in  order  that  you  may    feel  it   the  more 

forcibly,   that  you  should  consider  wherein  its  evil 

mature  consists. 

First,  It  is  contrary  to  the  tenor  of  all  God's 
rom;nandnients.  Ail  through  the  scriptures  we 
are  required  to  attend  to  divine  things  immediate- 
ly, and  without  delay •— Work  while  it  is  called 
tOwday  ;  the  night  cometh  when  no  man  can  work. 
To-day,  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice,  harden  not  \  our 
hearts — While  ye  have  the  light,  believe  in  the 
ght,  that  ye  may  be  the  children  of  light — 
Whatsoever  tby  hand  fmdeth  to  do,  doit  withthy 
might  ;  for  there  is  no  work,  nor  device,  nop 
i  iow  ledge,  nor  wisdom  in  the  grave  whither 
thou  goesi  * 

God  not  only  requires  us  in  general  what  we  da 
'O  do  quickiy,  Bin  calls  us  to  serve  him  parti cu- 
a  v  under  those  temptations  or  afflictions,  which 
we  find  placed  in  our  way.  1  he  terms  of  disci- 
i>\  ship  are,  deny  thyself,  take  up  thy  cross,  and 
fo.iow  me.  He  does  not  call  upon  us  to  follow  him 
barely  when  there  are  no  troubles,  nor  difficulties 

*  John  \x  4,        Psfti.  xcv.  ?,  S.        Ecc.  &.  *& 


in  JReligious  Concerns.  91 

to  encounter,  nor  allow  us,  when  those  difficulties 
occur,  to  wait  a  fairer  opportunity  ;  but  to  take 
our  cro  ;S  as  it  were .upon  our  shoulders,  and  so 
follow  him.  It  would  be  of  use  iov  us  to  consider 
every  situation  as  a  post,  in  which  God  hath  placed 
and  in  which  he  calls  upon  us  to  serve  and  glo- 
rify him.  If  we  are  poor,  we  are  required  to  glo- 
rify God  by  contentment  ;  if  afflicted^  by  pa- 
tience ;  if  bereaved,  by  submission  ;  if  persecu- 
ted, by  firmness  ;  if  injured*  by  forgiveness  ;  or 
if  tempted,  by  denying  ourselves  for  his  sake. 
Nor  can  tiiese  duties  be  performed  at  any  other 
time  ;  to  put  them  off,  therefore,  to  another  op- 
portunity, is  the  same  thing  in  effect,  as  refusing 
lo  comply  with  them  at  all. 

Secondly,  To  put  off  things  to  another  time, 
implies  a  lurking  dislike  to  the  things  themselves. 
We  do  not  ordinarily  do  so,  except  in  things 
wherein  we  have  no  delight.  Whatever  our  hearts 
arc  set  upon,  we  are  for  losing  no  time  till  it  is  ac- 
complished. If  the  people  of  JudaK  had  had  a 
mind  to  work,  as  is  said  of  them  on  another 
occasion,  they  would  not  have  pleaded  that  the 
time  was  not  come.  Sinful  delay,  therefore,  ari- 
ses from  alienation  of  heart  from  God,  than 
which  nothing  can  be  more  offensive  in  his  sight. 

But  farther,  it  is  not  only  a  sin,  but  a  sin  of 
dangerous  tendency.  This  is  manifest  by  the  ef- 
fects it  produces  Precious  time  is  thereby  mur- 
dered, and  valuable  opportunities  lost,  and  lost 
beyond  recail  ! 

That  there  are  opportunities  possessed  both  by 
saints  and  sinners  is  plain  from  the  scriptures  — 
The  former  might  do  abundantly  more  for  God 
than  they  do,  and  might  enjoy  much  more  of  God 
and  heaven  than  they  actually 'enjoy  j  and  no  doubt 
it  would  be  so,  were  it  aot  for  that  idle  delaving 
temper  oi  which  we  have  spoken.  Like  the  Is. 
raelues,  we  aw  slothful  to  go  up  10  possess  the 


92       The  pernicious  Influence  of  Delay 

good  land  Many  are  the  opportunities  both  of 
doing  and  enjoying  good,  that  have  already  passed 
by.  O,  what  Christians  might  we  have  been  be- 
fore now,  had  we  but  availed  ourselves  of  all 
those  advantages,  which  the  gospel  dispensation, 
and  the  free  exercise  of  our  religion  afford  us  ! 

Sinners  also,  as  long  as  life  lasts,  have  oppor- 
tunity of  escaping  from  the  wrath  to  come. 
Hence  they  are  exhorted  to  seek  the  Lord  while 
he  may  b-  found,  and  to  call  upon  h;m  while  he  is 
near.  Hence  also  there  is  a  door  represented  as 
being  at  present  open,  which  the  master  of  the  . 
house  will  one  day  rise  ^p  and  slvit.  The  foun- 
tain is  described  as  being  at  present  open  for  sin, 
and  for  uncleanness  ;  but  there  is  a  period  ap- 
proaching, when  it  shall  be  said,  He  that  is  fil- 
thy, let  him  be  filrhv  still  !*  t  stems  scarcely 
in  the  power  of  language  to  express  the  danger  of 
delay  in  terms  more  forcible  and  impressive  than 
those  which  are  used  in  the  above  passages. — Nor  " 
is  there  any  thing  in  the  idea  that  clashes  with  the 
scripture  doctrine  of  decrees*  All  allow  that  men 
have  opportunity  in  natural  things,  to  do  what 
they  do  not,  and  to  obtain  what  they  obtain  not  ; 
and  if  this  can  be  made  to  consist  with  an  univer- 
sal providence,  which  performcth  the  things  that 
are  appointed  for  us  ;  why  should  not  the  orher 
be  allowed  to  consist  with  the  purposes  of  Him, 
who  does  nofhing  without  a  plan,  but  worketh  all 
things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will  ?  A  price 
is  in  the  hands  of  those  who  have  no  heart  to  get 
wisdom. 

O  thoughtless  sinner,  trifle  no  longer  with  the 
m urderof  time  !  time,  so  short  and  uncertain  in 
its  duration  ;  the  morning  of  your  existence,  the 
mould  in  which  you  receive  an  impression  for 
eternity,  the  only  period  in  which  the  Son  of  Man 

*I$ai.  iv  6  7.     Luke  xiii  25.    Zech.  xiii  1.    Eev.  xxii  11. 


in  Religious  Concerns.  93 

hath  power  to  forgive  sins  !  Should  the  remain- 
ing part  of  your  life  pass  away  in  the  same  careless 
m.mner  as  that  has,  which  is  already  elapsed, 
what  bitter  reflection  must  needs  follow  !  How 
cutting  it  must  be  to  look  back  on  all  the  means  of 
salvation,  as  gone  forever  ;  the  harvest  past,  the 
summer  ended,  and  you  not  saved  ! 

Suppose  a  company,  at  the  time  of  low  water, 
should  take  an  excursion  upon  the  sands  near  the 
sea  shore — Suppose  yourself  of  the  company- 
Suppose,  that  on  a  presumption  of  the  tide's 
net  returning  at  present,  you  should  all  fall 
asleep — Suppose  all  the  company,  except  your- 
self, to  awake  out  of  their  sleep,  and  finding  their 
danger,  endeavour  to  awake  you,  and  to  persuade 
you  to  flee  with  them  for  your  life — But  you,  like 
the  sluggard,  are  for  a  little  more  sleep,  and  a  lit- 
tie  more  slumber — the  consequence  is,  your  com- 
panions escape,  but  you  are  left  behind  to  perish 
in  the  waters,  which,  regardless  of  all  your  cries, 
rise  and  overwhelm  you  !  What  a  situation  would 
this  be  !  How  would  you  curse  that  [ove  of  sleep 
that  made  you  refuse  to  be  awaked,  that  delaying 
temper  that  wanted  to  indulge  a  little  longer!  But 
what  is  this  situation,  compared  with  tha*.  of  a  lost 
soul  ?  There  will  come  a  period  when  the  bot- 
tom of  the  ocean  would  be  deemed  a  refuge  ; 
when  to  be  crushed  under  falling  rocks  and  moun- 
tains, instead  of  being  viewed  with  terror  as 
heretofore,  will  be  earnestly  desired  !  Yes,  de- 
sired, but  desired  in  vain  !  i  he  sinner,  who  hath 
neglected  the  great  salvation,  will  not  be  able  to 
escape,  nor  hide  himself  from  the  face  of  him 
thii*  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  nor  from  the  wrath 
ef  the  Lamb  J 

Mj  dear  hearers  !  consider  your  condition  with- 
out delay  :  God  says  to  you,  To-day  if  ye  will 
hear  his  voice,  harden  not  your  hearts  —  T&datf 
may  be  the  only  day  you  have  to  live— Go  home, 


94     The  pernicious  Influence  of  Delay,  Ssfc. 

enter  the  closet,  and  shut  the  door — confess  youf 
sins :  implore  mercy  through  our  Lord  Je-sus 
Christ — Kiss  the  Son  lest  he  be  angry,  and  ye 
perhhfrom  the  way,  wh  n  his  twath  is  kindled  but 
a  little  ;  blessed  are  all  they  that  put  their  trust  in 
him  f 


SERMON  IJI. 


The  Importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate  Knowt- 

rdge  oj  Divine  Truth. 


Hebrews  v.  12,  13,  14. 

For  when  for  the  time  ye  ought  to  be  teachers^  ye 
have  need  'hat  one  teach  you  again  which  be  the 
first  principles  of  the  oracles  of  God  ;  and  are 
become  such  as  have  need  ofnvlk,  and  not  of 
strong  meat.  F"r  every  one  that  nscth  milk,  i$ 
unskilful  in  the  word  of  righteousness  :  for  he  is 
a  babe.  But  strong  meat  behngcth  to  them  that 
are  of  full  age,  even  those  who  by  reason  of  use 
have  /heir  senses  exercised  to  discern  both  good 
and.  evil. 

THERE  is  nothing  in  which  the  kingdom  of 
Christ  and  the  kingdom  of  Satan  are  more  oppos- 
ed, than  that  the  one  is  characterized  by  light, 
and  the  other  by  darkness  The  cause  of  false* 
hoo  i  is  itself  a  dark  cause,  and  requires  darkness 
to  cover  it  :  but  truth  is  light,  and  cometh  co  the 
light,  that  it  mav  be  made  manifest  Knowledge 
is  every  where  encouraged  in  the  Bible  ;  our  best 
interests  are  interwoven  with  it  ;  and  the  spiritu- 
ality of  our  minds,  and  the  real  enjoyirent  of  our 
lives  depend  upon  its  increase.  Grace  and  peace 
are  multiplied  through  the  knowledge  of  God, 
and  of  Jesus  our  Lord,     Nor  is    it  necessary  for 


96    The  Importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 

our  own  sakes  only,  but  for  the  sake  of  others. 
It  is  a  great  encouragement  to  Christian  minis- 
ters, when  those  whom  they  teach  possess  a  good 
understanding  in  the  things  of  God.  Indeed, 
none  but  those  who  are  engaged  in  the  work  of 
teaching  can  tell  how  much  the  ardour  of  the  mind 
is  damped  by  the  contrary.  The  truth  of  this  re- 
mark is  exemplified  in  the  writer  of  this  epistle* 
In  the  verses  immediately  preceding  the  text,  you 
perceive  him  highly  interested  in  his  subject,  and 
proceeding  in  a  glorious  career  of  reasoning  ; 
when,  all  on  a  sudden,  he  is  stopped.  He  had 
many  things  to  say  of  his  Lord  ancj  Master,  but 
which  were  hard  to  be  understood,  seeing  those 
to  whom  he  wrote  were  dull  of  hearing.  It  is  oh 
this  occasion  that  he  introduces  the  passage  now 
before  us  ;  in  which  his  object  is  to  shame  ad 
provoke  them,  by  comparing  them  with  those 
who,  as  to  years,  were  men — but,  as  to  knowl- 
edge, children;  and  who,  instead  of  having  made 
advances  in  science,  needed  to  be  taught  the  al- 
phabet over  again.  There  are  some  things  sup- 
posed and  included  in  the  passage,  which  require 
a  little  previous  attention. 

First — It  is  here  supposed,  that  all  divine 
knowledge  is  to  be  derived  from  the  oracles  o 
God.  It  is  a  proper  term  by  which  the  sacred 
scriptures  are  here  denominated,  strongly  expres- 
sive of  their  divine  inspiration  and  infallibility  : 
in  them  God  speaks  ;  and  to  them  it  becomes  us 
to  hearken.  We  may  learn  other  things  Irom 
other  quarters  ;  and  things  too  that  mav  subserve 
the  knowledge  of  God  ;  but  the  knowledge  of  God 
itself  must  here  be  sought,  for  here  o«ly  it  can  be 
found. 

Much  has  been  said  of  faith  and  reason,  and 
the  question  has  often  been  agitated,  whether  -:he 
aoc,  in  any  instance,  can  be  contrary  to  the  .tri- 
er?    In  the  solution  of  ihis 'question,  it  is  nects- 


Knowledge  of  Divine    Truth.  97 

sarv  in  the  first  place,  to  determine  what  is  meant 
by  reason.  There  is  a  great  difference  between 
reason,  and  reasoning  Nothing  which  God  re- 
veals v  an  contradict  the  former  ;  but  this  is  more 
than  c>ii)  be  said  of  the  latter  It  is  impossible  ior 
God  to  reveal  any  thing  repugnant  to  what  is  fit 
and  right  ;  but  that  which  is  fit  and  right  in  one 
man's  estimation,  is  preposterous  and  absurd  in 
the  esteem  of  another  ;  which  clearly  proves,  that 
reason,  as  it  exist*  in  depraved  creatures,  is  not  a 
proper  standard  of  truth  ;  and  hence  arises  the 
necessity  of  another  and  a  better  standard,  tin  or- 
acles of  God.  By  studying  t:iese,  a  good  man  will 
gam  more  understanding  than  his  teachers,  if  they 
live  in  the  neglect  of  them. 

Secondly — W is  supposed,  that  the  oracles  of 
God  include  a  system  of  divine  truth.  i  hey  con- 
tain the  ft  st  principles,  or  rudiments,  of  religion, 
the  simple  truths  of  the  gospel,  which  require  lit- 
tl  ■  or  no  investigation  in  order  to  their  being  un- 
derstood ;  these  are  Called  milk.  They  also  con- 
tain the  deep  things  of  God,  tilings  beyond  the 
reach  of  a  slight  and  cursory  observation  ;  and 
which  require,  if  we  would  properly  enter  into 
them,  close  and  repeated  attention  ;  this  is  strong 
meat.  1'hose  doctrines,  which  the  apostle  enume- 
rat  s  in  the  following  chapter,  a-  things  which  he 
should  leave  and  go  on  nnto  perfection*  have  been 
thought  10  r  d'er  to  the  leading  principles  Juda- 
ism :  and  it  may  be  so  ;  for  Judaism  itself  con- 
ta  tie  :  the  first  principles  of  Christianity  :  it  was 
inn  *o*t;  ojL  as  it  i  ^  elsewhere  ex  pr     •    ■;!, 

it  was  our  school- master  to  bring  us  to  Christ. 

Thirdly — it  is  intimated  that  Christians  should 
not  rest  satisfied  in  having  attained  to  a  k  owledge 
of  vtie  first  principles  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ, 
bui  shrnlid  go  on  unto  perfection  ;  not  only  so  as 
to    btsmi  for  themselves,  but  that  they 

inn?  be  able  to  teac/i  others*     It  is  true,  all  are  not 

I 


98     The  Importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 

to  be  teachers  by  (]ffice  ;  but  in  one  form  or  other, 
ail  should  aspire  to  communicate  the  knowledge  of 
Christ.  Every  Christian  is  required  to  be  ready 
to  give  a  reason  of  the  hope  that  is  in  him  with 
meekness  and  fear:  and  if  all  the  members  of  our 
churches  did  bat  possess  this  readiness,  besides  the 
advantages  that  would  accrue  to  themselves  and 
others,  there  would  be  less  scarcity  than  there  is 
of  able  and  evangelical  ministers. 

The  leading  sentiment  which  runs  through  the 
passage,  and  comprises  the  whole,  is,  the  impor- 
tance OF  A  DEEP  AND  INTIMATE  KNOWlEDUE  OF 
divine  truth.  To  this  subject,  brethren,  permit 
me  to  call  your  attention.  In  discoursing  upon  it, 
I  shall  first  inquire  wherein  it  consists,  and  then 
endeavour  to  shew  the  importance  of  it. 

L  Let  us  inquire,  what  a  deep  and  intimate 
knowledge  of  divine  truth  includes. 

That  the  oracles  of  God  contain  deep  things, 
requires  but  little  proof.  The  character  of  God  ; 
our  own  depravity  ;  and  that  great  mystery  of 
godliness,  God  manifest  in  the  flesh,  &c  are  deep 
and  interesting  subjects.  The  prophets  had  to 
search  into  the  meaning  of  their  own  prophecies. 
I  Peter  i.  10. — The  riches  of  Christ,  with  which 
the  apostles  were  entrusted,  were  denominated  un- 
searchable, Eph.  iii.  8;  and  even  the  highest  or- 
ders of  created  intelligences  are  described  as  look- 
ing into  these  things  for  their  farther  improvement. 
I  Peter  1.12. 

It  may  seem  presuming  for  any  person,  in  the 
present  imperfect  state,  to  determine  on  subjects 
of  such  magnitude  ;  or  to  talk  of  a  deep  and  inti- 
mate knowledge  of  things  which  surpass  the  com- 
prehension of  the  most  exalted  creatures.  And  if 
these  terms  were  used  either  absolutely,  toexpress 
the  real  conformity  of  our  ideas  of  divme  things 
to  the  full  extent  of  the  things  themselves,  or  even 
comparatively f  if  the  comparison  respected  saints 


Knowledge  of  Divine  Truth.  99 

on  earth  and  saints  in  heaven,  it  would  be  pre- 
sumption. But  it  is  only  in  reference  fed  one  an- 
other in  the  present  state,  that  these  terms  are  in- 
tended to  apply.  Compared  with  the  heavenly 
inhabitants,  all  of  us  are  babes  :  even  an  inspired 
apostle  was  no  more.  Wherrl  was  a  child,  sard  he, 
1  spake  asachdd,  I  understood  as  a  child,  1  thought 
as  a  chdd  :  but  when  I  became  a  man,  I  put  away 
childish  things.  For  now  we  see  through  a  glass 
darkly,  but  then  face  to  face:  now  I  know  in  part, 
but  then  shall  I  know  evenalsoas  I  am  known.  I 
Cor.  xiii.  11,  12.  There  are  such  degrees,  howe- 
ver, amongst  good  men  in  this  life,  as  that,  compar- 
ed with  each  other  some  may  be  said  to  possess  only 
a  superficial  knowledge  of  divine  truth,  and  others 
amoredeep  and  intimate  acquaintance  with  it. 

It  is  the  importance  of  the  latter  of  these  that  I 
wish  to  have  impressed  upon  our  minds.  To  at- 
tain it,  the  following,  amongst  other  things,  re- 
quire our  attention. 

1.  Though  we  must  not  stop  at  first  principles^ 
yet  we  must  be  well  grounded  in  them. 

No  person  can  drink  deeply  into  any  science 
without  being  well  acquainted  with  its  rudiments: 
these  are  the  foundation  on  which  the  whole  struc- 
ture rests.  The  first  principles  of  the  oracles  of 
God,  as  specified  by  our  apostle,  are  repentance 
from  dead  works,  faith  towards  God,  the  doc- 
trine of  baptisms,  and  laying  on  of  hands,  the  re- 
surrection of  the  dead,  and  eternal  judgment. 
Whatever  may  be  meant  by  some  of  these  terms, 
whether  they  refer  to  things  peculiar  to  Judaism, 
or  to  the  early  times  of  Christianity  ;  it  is  clear 
from  scripture,  and  the  nature  of  things,  that  oth- 
ers of  them  are  expressive  of  principles,  which, 
in  every  age, are  of  the  first  importance.  Though 
the  apostle  speaks  of  leaving  them,  yet  he  does 
not  mean  that  we  should  give  them  up,  or  treat 
them  with  indifference,  but  go  on  unto  perfection  ; 


100  The  Importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 

as  a  builder  leaves  his  foundation  when  he  raises 
Iiis  walls,  and  advances  towards  the  completion  of 
his  budding. 

Repentance  was  the  first  lesson  inculcated  by 
John  the  baptist,  aud  Christ,  and  his  apostles  ; 
and  that  not  merely  on  profligate  sinners,  but  on 
scribes  and  phansees.  All  that  they  had  hitherto 
learned,  required,  as  it  were,  to  be  unlearned  ;  and 
all  that  they  had  done,  to  be  undone,  and  utterly 
relinquished. 

The  knowledge  which  carnal  men  acquire  of  di- 
vine things,  puffs  them- up  :  and  whil  they  think 
they  understand  great  things,  they  know  nothing 
as  they  ought  to  know  it.  All  the  works  too, 
which  have  been  wrought  during  a  state  of  u n re- 
gene  racy »  are  dead  works  ;  and,  instead  of  being 
in  any  degree  pleasing  to  God,  require  to  be  la- 
mented with  shame  aud  self-abhorrence.  Repen- 
tance is  a  kind  of  self-emptying  work  :  it  includes 
a  renunciation,  not  only  of  those  things  for  wines 
our  own  consciences  at  the  time  condemned  us, 
but  of  what  we  have  been  in  the  habit  of  reckoning 
wisdom  and  righteousness.  Hence  the  propriety 
of  the  order  in  which  the  scriptures  place  it 
wuh  regard  to  faith,  repent  and  believe  the  gospel. 
Mark  i.  15.  Acts,  in  38  xs.  21.  2  Tim.  n.  25. 
Renounce  your  own  ways,  and  embrace  h;>  :  He 
that  will  be  ivise,  must  first  become  a  fool  that  he 
may  be  %vise% 

Faith  towards  God,  or  believing  v  <nvs  of  the  be- 
ing^nd  glory  of  the  divine  character,  are  reckoned 
also  amongst  the  first  principles  of  the  doctrines 
of  Christ,  if  we  have  just  ideas  of  this  very  im- 
portant snbjec  ,  we  have  the  key  to  the  whole 
system  of  gospel  truth.  He  who  beholds  the 
glory  of  the  divine  holiness,  will,  in  that  glass, 
perceive  his  own  polluted  and  perishing  condi- 
tion; h\k\,  when  properly  im['  e#  -  with  a  se  .se 
of  these  things,  he  will  naturally  embrace  the  uqg- 


Knowledge  of  Divine  Truth.  101 

trine  of  a  Saviour,  yea,  and  of  a  great  one.  Sal- 
vation, by  mere  grace,  through  the  atonement  of 
Jesus,  will  appear  the  very  object  of  his  soul's 
desire.  And,  with  these  principles  in  his  heart, 
other  scripture  doctrines  will  appear  true,  interes- 
ting, and  harmonious.  There  are  but  few  errone- 
ous sentiments  in  the  Christian  world,  which  may 
not  be  traced  toa  spirit  of  self-admiration,  which  is 
the  opposite  of  repentance,  or  to  false  conceptions 
of  the  divine  character, 

To  these  the  apostle  adds,  the  resurrection  of 
the  dead,  and  eternal  judgment;  or  the  doctrine  of 
a  future  state  of  rewards  and  punishments,  of 
endless  duration.  These  ave  principles,  which 
tho1  they  occupy  almost  an  ultimatie  place  in  the 
sacredsys  em,  yet,  as  every  otherimportant  truth 
respecting  man  proce«  ds  upon  the  supposition  of 
their  truth,  they  may  properly  enough  be  reckon- 
ed among  the  first  principles  of  the  oracles  of 
God.  If  these  principles  were  given  up  to  the  in- 
fidel, the  spirit  of  whose  creed  amounts  to  this, 
Let  us  eat  and  drink,  for  to-morrow  we  die  ;  or  if 
the  latter  of  them  were  given  up  to  the  universal- 
ist,  who,  though  he  admits  of  a  judgment  to  come, 
yet  not  ©f  an  eternal  one  ;  we  should  soon  find  the 
whole  fabric  of  truth  fallen  to  the  ground. 

2.  We  must  not  content  ourselves  with  knowing 
what  is  truth,  but  must  he  acquainted  with  the  evi- 
dence on  which  it  rests. 

Christians  are  required  to  be  always  ready  to 
give  a  reason  for  the  hope  that  is  in  them,  w.lh 
meekness  and  fear  :  and  this  supposes  not  only 
that  every  part  of  religion  admits  of  a  rational  de- 
fence, but  that  it  is  necessary  for  Christians  to 
study,  that  they  may  be  able  to  defend  it  }  or  at 
least,  to  feel  the  ground  on  which  they  rest  their 
hope. 

I  he  truths  contained    in  the    oracles  of   God, 
Bfi^y  be  distinguished    into  two   kinds  ;     thos^ 
I  2 


102    The  Importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 

which  approve  therasdves  to  our  ideas  of  wis- 
dom or  fitness  ;  and  those,  which  utterly  surpass 
our  understanding,  but  which  require  to  he  belie- 
ved as  matters  of  pure  revelation  The  former 
chitfty  respect  the  councils  and  works  of  God, 
which  are  exhibited  to  our  understanding,  that 
God  in  them  may  be  made  manifest  .  the  latter 
more  commonly  respect  the  being  and  inconceiv- 
able glories  of  the  God-head,  the  reality  of  which 
we  are  concerned  to  know,  but  on  their  mode  or 
manner  are  forbidden  to  gaze. 

It  is  exceedingly  desirable  to  trace  the  wisdom 
Smd  harmony  of  evangelical  truth  :  it  is  a  source 
of  enjoyment  superior,  perhaps,  to  any  thing 
with  which  we  are  acquainted.  All  the  works  of 
God  are  honorable  and  glorious,  and  sought  out 
by  all  them  that  have  pleasure  therein  ;  but  re- 
demption is  his  great  work,  wharein  appears  glo- 
ry to  himself  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace 
and  good  will  to  men  :  here,  therefore,  must  needs 
be  the  highest  en^ovment  Prior  to  the  revela- 
tion of  redemption,  the  holy  angels  shouted  for 
joy  over  the  works  of  nature  ;  but  having  witnes- 
sed the  incarnation,  life,  death,  resurrection,  and 
ascension  of  Jesus,  the?  desired  to  look  into  other 
things.  Nothing  tends  more  to  establish  the 
mind,  and  to  interest  the  heart  in  any  truth,  than 
a  perception  than  it  is  adapted  at  once  to  express 
the  glory  of  the  divine  character,  and  to  meet  the 
Recrssities  of  guiltv  creatures.  The  more  we 
think  of  truths  therefore,  in  this  way,  the  mere  we 
shall  be  rooted  and  greundecl  in  it. 

Bat  whatreason  have,  we  to  give  for  embracing 
these  doctrines,  which  we  consider  as  above  rea- 
son, of  the  fitness  of  which  we  consequently  pre- 
tend to  have  no  ideas  ?  We  answer,  they  are  con- 
tained in  the  oracles  of  God.  Nothiag  is  more 
reasonable  than  to  give  implicit  credit  to  Him, 
who  cannot  lie.     On  this  ground  we  believe  that 


Knowledge  of  Divine  Truth.         105 

there  are  three  who  bear  record  in  heaven,  the 
Father,  the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  that 
these  three  are  one  If  God  had  revealed  noth- 
ing but  what  would  have  conic  within  the  limits 
of  our  understanding,  he  must  have  told  us  little 
or  nothing  about  himself,  and  nothing  at  all  of 
his  self-existence,  eternity,  and  infinity  ;  for  we 
hav  no  positive  ideas  of  a;\v  of  these  things. 
Yet  the  revelation  of  such  truths  ma\  be  as  neces- 
sarv  as  those  which  approach  nearer  to  our  com- 
pr  hension.  The  latter  Afford  food  for  knowl- 
edge ;  the  former  teach  us  humility \  and  furnish 
matter  {or  faith. 

3  We  must  learn  truth  immediately  from  the  or* 
acles  of  God. 

Many  religions  people  appear  ro  be  contv-n  ed 
with  seeing  truth  in  rhe  li^ht  n  which  some  gr-at 
and  good  author  has  placed  it  :  but  if  ever  we  en- 
ter into  the  gosp-1  to  p  rpose,  it  must  be  by  re  :d- 
ing  the  word  of  God  for  ourselves,  and  by  pray- 
ing .aid  meditating  upon  its  sacred  contents  t 
is  in  God's  light  that  we  must  see  light.  By  con- 
V-.  rsing  with  tne  sacred  writers  w  shall  gradual- 
ly imbibe  their  sentiments,  and  be  insensibly  as- 
simiiat  d  into  the-  same  spirit. 

1  he  writings  of  great  and  good  me;i  are  no*  to 
b  despised  iny  more  than  their  preaching  ;  only 
ici  them  not  be  treated  as  oracultr.  The  best  of 
m  '.',  m  t^^imperfect  state, new  things  partial!  v  ; 
an  .,  tfa  retorei  are  i  i  danger  o*  laying  an  improp- 
er  stress  upon  s<|  e  parts  of  scripture  truth  to  *he 
neglect  of  other  parts,  of  equal,  and  sometimes  of 
superior importance.  Now  where  this  is  the  case, 
i  onus  dangerous.  It  is  rarelj  known 
but  that  an  original  uiFersin  the  hands  of  a  copy  i>r ; 
it,  tii  r^  tor-.',  the  form:  r  be  imperfect,  hat  may 
b  expected  of  the  latter  ?  We  all  come,  far  shor* 
of  ruth  aad  nghtepusness^  let  bur  model  5  «-ver 
so  perfect  j  out  it  this  be  imperfect,   we  shall  pos- 


104    The  Importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 

sess  not  only  our  own  faults,  but  those  of  anoth- 
er* 

If,  as  ministers,  we  go  about  to  depicteither  the 
character  of  a  bad  man,  or  of  a  good  man,  a  state 
of  unregeneracy,  or  a  work  of  grace  ;  and,  instead 
of  drawing  from  real  lite,  only  copy  from  some 
accounts  which  we  have  read  or  heard,  of  these 
matters,  we  shall  neither  convince  the  sinner,  nor 
touch  the  case  of  the  believer  :  all,  to  say  the  least, 
will  be  foreign  and  uninteresting. 

If  we  adopt  the  principles  of  fallible  men,  with- 
out searching  the  scriptures  for  ourselves,  and  in- 
quiring whether  those  things  be  so,  or  not,  they 
will  not  avail  us,  even  allowing  them  to  be  on  the 
side  of  truth,  as  if  we  had  learned  them  from  a 
higher  authority.  Our  faith,  in  such  a  case,  will 
stand  in  the  wisdom  of  man,  and  not  in  the  power 
of  God.  There  is  a  savour  in  truth  when  drtt#A 
from  the  words  which  the  Holy  Ghost  teacheth, 
which  is  lost,  or  at  least  diminished,  if  it  pass  under 
the  conceptions  and  expressions  of  men.  Nor 
will  it  avail  us  when  most  needed  ;  for  he  who  re- 
ceives his  creed  from  men,  may  deliver  it  up  to 
ni'-n  again  Truth  learned  only  at  second-hand 
will  be  to  us  what  Saul's  armour  was  to  David  % 
w  -hall  be  at  a  loss  how  to  use  it  in  the  day  of 
trial, 

4.  If  we  would  possess  a  great  and  intimate  ac- 
quaintance with  divine  truth,  we  must  view  it  ia 
its  various  connexions,  in  the  great  system  of  re- 
demption. — Systematical  divinity,  or  the  study- 
ing of  truth  in  a  systematical  form,  has  been,  of 
late  > ears,  much  ciecned.  It  has  become  almosfc 
general  to  consider  it  as  the  mark  of  a  contracted 
jn  »d,and  the  grand  obstruction  to  free  inquiry. 
It  we  imbibe  a  false  system,  indeed,  there  is  no 
doubt  but  it  will  prove  injurious  j  if  it  be  true  in 
parr,  but  very  defective,  it  may  imp  <ie  our  pro- 
gress in  divine  knowledge  ,  or  if,  in  order  to  re* 


Knowledge  of  Divine  Truth.  105* 

tain  a  system,  we  torture  the  scriptures  to  make 
them  accord  with  it,  we  shall  pervert  the  truth  in- 
stead of  preserving  it.  These  are  things  which 
make  against  false,  defective,  and  an  tU  scriptural 
systems  of  faith  ;  but  not  in  the  least  against  sys- 
tem itself.  1  he  best  criterion  of  a  good  system 
is  its  concordance  with  the  holy  scnpjtures.  That 
view  of  thing.-.,  whether  we  have  any  of  us  fully 
attained  it  or  not,  which  admits  the  mpst  natural 
meaning  to  be  put  upon  every  part  of  God's  word, 
is  the  right,  system  of  »e!igious  truth.  And  he, 
whose  belief  consists  of  a  number  of  positions 
arranged  in  such  a  connexion  as  to  constitute  a 
consistent  who  e,  but  who,  from  a  sense  of  his  im- 
perfection, and  a  remembrance  of  p?st  errors, 
holds,  hiinself  ready  to  add  or  retrench  as  evidence 
shall  require,  is  in  a  tar  more  advantageous  irack 
for  i tie  attaining  of  truth,  and  a  real  enlargement  of 
mm  J,  than  he  who  thinks  without  a  system. 

lobe  without  system,  is  nearly  the  satne  thing 
as  to  be  without  principle.  Whatever  principles 
we  may  nave,  while  they  continue  in  thi s  disor- 
ganized state,  they  will  answer  bit  little  purpose 
in  the  religious  life.  Like  a  tumultuous  assembly 
in  the  daj  of  battle,  they  may  exist  ;  but  it  wjU  be 
without  order,  energy,  or  end. 

No  iiian  could  d-'c.y  systematical  knowledge 
in  an)  thing  but  religion,  without  subjectm  him- 
selt  to  the  ndicuie  ot  thinking  men  :  a  philosopher, 
for  instance,  who,  instead,  of  improving  facts 
wnicii  had  fallen  under  Ins  observation,  that  he 
might  discover  the  general  taws  by  which  they 
were  governed  ;  and,  instead  of  tracing  things  to 
th  lr  first  principles,  and  pursuing  them  to  tb 
just  consequences.  <houid  inveigh  against  all  gen- 
eral laws,  all  eystem,  ail  connexion  and 
denee,  and  all  uniform  design  in  the  \wr.c.\ v  of 
cr  tic  :.  What  should  wc  *j  of  a  husbhndfnan^ 
who  refused  to  arrange  his  observations  under   the 


106   The  importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 

respective  branches  of  business  to  which  they  nat- 
urally belonged  ;  who  had  no  general  scheme  or 
plan  of  proceeding,  but  left  the  work  of  every  day 
to  the  day  itself,  without  forethought,  contriva  nee, 
or  design  ?  Or  whav.  account  should  we  make  of  a 
merchant^  or  tradesman,  who  should  exclude  sys- 
tematical knowledge  from  his  affairs  ?  He  is  con- 
stantly employed  in  buying  and  selling,  but  he 
must  hav^  no  general  system  whereby  to  conduct 
either  the  one  or  the  other  ;  none  for  the  regula- 
tion of  his  books  ;  none  for  the  assortment  of  his 
articles  :  all  must  be  free,  lest  he  sink  into  formal- 
ity, ana  by  being  in  the  habit  of  doing  things  in 
order,  should  contract  a  narrowness  of  mind  ! 

But  is  the  Bible  written  upon  systematical  prin- 
ciples ?  Does  it  contain  a  system  ?  Or  does 
it  encourage  us  to  form  one  ? — By  the  Bible 
being  written  on  systematical  principles,  I  sup- 
pose is  meant,  a  systematical  arrangement  of 
its  contents  :  and  there  is  no  doubt  but  that 
the  contrary  of  this  is  true.  But  then  the 
same  might  be  said  of  the  book  of  nature.  Though 
the  different  species  of  animals,  vegetables,  mine- 
rals, &c.  are  capable  of  being  arranged  under 
their  respective  genera,  and  so  reduced  to  a  sys- 
tem ;  yet  in  their  actual  position  in  creation,  they 
assume  no  su  h  appearance.  It  is  wisely  contri- 
ved, both  in  nature  and  scripture,  that  the  objects 
of  each  should  be  scattered  in  lovely  variety  :  but  a 
midst  all  this  variety,  an  observant  eye  will  perceive 
unity,  order,  arrangement,  and  fulness  of  design. 

God,  in  all  his  works,  has  proceeded  by  system  : 
there  is  a  beautiful  connexion  and  harmonx  in 
everything  which  he  has  wrought.  We  some- 
times speak  of  a  system  of  nature,  a  system  of 
providence,  and  a  system  of  redemption  ;  and,  as 
smaller  systems  are  often  included  in  greater,  the 
language  is  not  improper  :  in  reality,  however, 
they  are  all  but  one  system  ;  one  grand   piece    o£ 


Knowledge  of  Divine  Truth.  107 

machinery,  each  part  of  which  has  a  dependence 
on  the  other,  and  altogether  form  one  glorious 
whole.  Now  if  God  proceed  by  system,  it  may 
be  expected  that  the  scriptures?  oeinga  transcript 
of  his  mind,  should  contain  a  system  ;  and  if  we 
would  study  them  to  purpose,  it  must  be  so  as  to 
discover  what  that  system  is. 

I  never  recollect  to  have  heard  any  objection  to 
systematical  divinity  with  regard  tQ-pra&ice.  Let 
-a  Christian,  utterly  unacquainted  with  human 
writings,  take  his  Bible  with  a  view  to  learn  the 
mind  of  God  upon  any  given  subject,  suppose  it 
be  the  datj  of  parents,  he  will  naturally  collect  all 
the  passages  in  the  sacred  writings  which  relate  to 
that  subject,  arrange  them  in  order,  and  from  the 
whole,  thus  taken  together,  regulate  his  conduct. 
For  this,  no  one  would  thin*,  of  blaming  iiim  ;  yet 
th  s  will  be  actually  systematical. 

Let  him  do  the  same  with  respect  to  every  other 
duty  ,  and  he  will  be  in  possesion  of  a  body  or 
system  of.<. practical  divinity.  And  why  should  he 
stop  here  ;  why  not  collect  the  mind  of  God  from 
the  whole  of  scripture  taken  together,  upon  things 
to  be  believed,  as  well  as  things  to  be  perform- 
ed ? 

If  the  apostles  had  not  considered  divine  truth 
in  a  systematical  form,  how  came  the  writer  of 
this  epistle  to  speak  of  the  first  principles  of  the 
oracles  of  God  ?  This  language  supposes,  as  be- 
fore observed,  a  scheme  or  system  of  faith  :  and 
if  such  a  form  of  considering  truth  were  disadvan- 
tageous to  Christians,  how  came  he  to  censure  the 
Hebrews  for  their  want  of  progress  in  it  ?  In  the 
epi  tie  to  the  Romans,  chap.  xii.  6,  we  read  of  the 
proportion  oranalogy  of  faith,  which  supposes  that 
the  gospel  is  one  proportionate  or  consistent 
whole. 

Could  a  system  of  divinity  be  written,  in  which 
every  sacred  truth  or  duty  should  have  a  place  as- 


108    The  Importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 

signed  it,  and  such  a  place,  both  as  to  order  and 
importance,  as  proper!)  belonged  to  it,  not  inva- 
ding the  province  of  other  truths  or  duties,  but, 
on  the  contrary,  subserving  them,  and  itself  ap- 
pearing to  the  greatest  advantage  amongst  them  > 
such  a  performance  would  answer  to  what  the  apos- 
tle means  by  the  proportion  of  faith.  But  can  we 
expei-''  a  work  answering  to  this  description  from 
an  uninspired  peti  ? — Perhaps  not  :  the  materials 
for  such  a  model,  ho  ever,  exist  in  th^  holy  scrip- 
tures, and  tho  gh  we  cannot  collect  and  arrange 
them  to  perfection,  let  us,  as  in  all  other  things, 
press  towards  t he  mark. 

Let  that  system  of  religion,  which  we  embrace, 
be  but,  in  the  main,  the  right  one,  and  so  far  fr  m 
contracting  the  mind,  it  is  easy  fo  perceive  that  it 
will  abundantly  enlarge  it.  For  example,  let  the 
fact  of  Joseph's  being  sold  into  Kgypt  be  viewed 
without  its  conmxon  with  God's  designs,  and  it 
.ear  a  melancholy  instance  of  human  de- 
pravity ;  we  shall  ^ee  nothing  very  remaikable  in 
it  ;  and  it  w  11  seem  calculated  only  to  afford  a  dis- 
gusting picture  of  family  jealousies  and  intrigues, 
enough  to  break  the  heart  of  an  aged  parent.  But 
lei  die  same  fact  be  viewed  systematically,  as  a 
link  in  a  chain,  or  as  a  part  oi'  a  whole,  and  it  will 
assume  a  very  different  appearance*  Thus  view- 
ed, it  is  an  event  pregnant  with  glory.  He  must 
needs  go  down  in^o  Egypt  that  much  people  m.ght 
be  preserved  -live  ;  that  Jacob's  family  w  if 
follow  him  ;  ight  there   be   pres  h     1, 

for  a  season,  t!ll,   indue   time,   hir  a 

giva:  nation,  they  should  be  led  forth  with 
band  ;  that  they  might  be  placed    in  Canaan,  and 
n      ht  sei    up  the  worship  of  the  true    God;  that 
tn     Ri  ht  be  bdrli  a   iong  them  ;  and 

hi     i  -e    extended    over   the    v   i   !c 

e<-      .  :,  'he  patriarch  Reflect  d, 

An  these  things  ore  against  mc :  but  with  a  sj  si-:  in, 


Knowledge  of  Divine    Truth.  109 

or  rather  with  only  the  discovery  of  a  very  small 
part  of  it,  he  exclaimed,  It  is  enough  :  Joseph,  ray 
son,  is  yet  alive  '  I  rvill  go  down,  ind  see  him  before 
I  die. 

In  addition  to  this  event  in  providence,    let  us 
offer  a  few  examples  on  matters  of  doctrine. 

Would  you  contemplate  the  great  evil  of  sin, 
you  must  view  it  in  its  connexions,  tendencies, 
and  consequences.  For  a  poor  finite  creature, 
-whose  life  is  hut  a  vapour,  to  gratify  a  vicious  in 
clination,  may  appear  a  trifle  ;  but  when  its  ten- 
dencies and  mischievous  consequences  are  taken 
into  the  account,  it  wears  a  different  aspect.  Je- 
reboam  said  in  his  heart,  If  this  people  go  up  to 
sacrifice  at  Jerusalem,  then  shall  the  kingdom  re- 
turn unto  David.  Hence  he  set  up  idolatry  ;  and 
hence  the  nation  was  corrupted  more  and  more, 
till  at  length  it  was  given  up  to  utter  destruction. 
Considering  ourselves  as  links  in  the  great  chain 
of  moral  government,  every  transgression  is  of 
vast  importance,  because  it  affects  the  whole  sys- 
tem. If  the  government  of  God  be  once  violated, 
an  example  is  set,  which,  if  followed,  would  ruin 
the  universe. 

Farther,  if  we  contemplate  the  death  of  Christ 
without  any  relation  to  system,  we  shall  only  see 
asuffering  person  at  Jerusalem,  and  feel  that  pi- 
ty and  disgust  which  is  ordinarily  excited  by  in- 
justice and  cruelty.  But  let  us  view  it  as  connect- 
ed with  the  moral  government  of  God  ;  as  a  glo- 
rious expedient  to  secure  its  honours  ;  a  propitia- 
tion wherein  God  declared  his  righteousness  for 
the  remission  of  sins,  Rom.  iii.  ?5,  and  we  shall 
have  anew  set  of  feelings.  While  the  apostles 
continued  to  view  this  event  unconnected! v,  their 
minds  were  contracted,  and  sorrow  filled  their 
hearts  ;  hut  when  their  eyes  were  opened  to  see  it 
in  its  connexions  and  censequences,  their    sorrow 

K 


110   The  Importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 

was  turned  into  joy.  Those  very  persons  who, 
hut  a  few  weeks  before,  could  not  bear  to  think  of 
their  Lord's  departure,  after  they  had  witnessed 
his  ascension  to  glory,  returned  to  Jerusalem  with 
great  joy,  and  continued  daily  in  the  temple,  prais- 
ing and  blessing  God.     Luke  xxiv.  52,  53. 

Once  more,  if  we  view  the  doctrine  of  election 
as  unconnected  with  other  things,  it  may  appear 
to  us  to  be  a  kind  of  fondness  without  reason  or 
wisdom.  A  charge  of  caprice  would  hereby  be 
brought  against  the  Almighty  ;  and  professors, 
like  the  carnal  Jews,  on  account  of  the  distinguish- 
ing favours  conferred  on  their  nation,  would  be 
fostered  in  self-conceit.  But  if  it  be  considered 
in  connexion  with  the  great  system  of  religious 
truth,  it  will  appear  in  very  different  light.  It  will 
represent  the  Divine  Being  in  his  true  character  ; 
not  as  acting  without  design,  and  subjecting  him- 
self to  endless  disappointments;  but  as  accom- 
plishing all  his  works  in  pursuance  of  an  eternal 
purpose.  And  as  salvation,  from  first  to  last,  is. 
of  mere  grace,  and  every  son  and  daughter  of  A- 
dam  is  absolutely  at  the  divine  discretion,  it  tends 
powerfully  to  impress  this  idea  both  upon  saints 
and  sinners.  While  it  leads  the  former  to  ac- 
knowledge, that  by  the  grace  of  God  they  are 
what  they  are,  it  teaches  the  latter  to  relinquish 
their  vain  hopes,  and  to  tall  into  the  arms  of  sover- 
eign mercy. 

As  the  righteousness  of  God's  elect  is  not  the 
ground  of  their  election,  so  neiih  r  is  their  felici- 
ty its  ultimate  end.  God  righteously  hides  the 
things  of  the  gospel  from  the  wise  and  prudent, 
and  reveals  them  unto  babes,  because  so  it  seemeth 
go  >d  in  his  sight :  it  tends  most  to  display  the 
glory  of  his  characu-r,  and  to  promote  the  general 
go  ci  of  creation.  These  tilings,  if  properly  con- 
sidered, are  of  a  humbling  tendency. 


Knowledge  of  Divine  Truth.  Ill 

If  the  Jews  had  considered  that  they  were  not 
chosen,  or  put  in  possession  of  the  good  land,  for 
their  righteousness,  or  for  the  uprightness  of  their 
hearts  ;  and  that  though  it  was  an  instance  of 
great  love  to  them,  yet  it  was  not  ultimately  for 
their  sake,  or  to  accomplish  their  happiness,  but 
that  God  might  fulfil  his  covenant  with  Abraham, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob,  Deut.  ix,  5,  in  whom,  atid 
whose  seed  all  nations  of  the  earth  were  to  be  bles- 
sed ;  and  if  they  had  considered  the  salvation  of 
the  world  as  the  end  of  their  national  existence, 
and  themselves  as  God's  witnesses,  till  the  times 
of  reformation  ;  instead  of  valuing  themselves, 
and  despising  other  nations,  they  would  have 
reckoned  themselves  their  servants  for  Jehovah's 
sake. 

In  short,  by  considering  principles  in  their  va- 
rious connexions,  far  greater  advances  will  be 
made  in  divine  knowledge  than  by  any  other 
means.  The  discovery  of  one  important  truth 
will  lead  on  to  a  hundred  more.  Let  a  Christian 
but  realize,  for  example,  the  Glory  of  the  Divine 
Character  as  the  moral  Governor  of  the  world  ; 
and  he  will,  at  once,  perceive  the  equity  and  good- 
ness of  the  moral  law^  which  requires  us  to  love 
him  with  all  the  heart.  In  this  glass  he  will  tee 
his  own  depravity  :  and  possessed  of  these  views, 
the  grace  of  the  gospel  will  appear  to  him  to  be 
grace  indeed.  Every  blessing  it  contains  will  be 
endearing;  and  the  medium  through  which  all  is 
conveyed,  superlatively  precious.  A  train  of 
thought  like  this  has  frequently  proved  more  in- 
teresting than  the  labours  of  those,  who,  having 
discovered  a  vein  of  silver  or  gold,  dig  deeply  in- 
to the   bowels  of  the  enriching  mine. 

Having  considered  a  few  of  the  means  necessa- 
ry for  the  attainment  of  a  deep  and  intimate 
knowledge  of  truth  :    1  shall 


112   The  Importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 

II.  Attempt  to  establish  the  importance  of 
such  a  knowledge. 

As  the  powers  of  created  beings  arelimited,  and 
no  one  canexpect  to  understand  every  thing,  it  is 
(he  province  of  wisdom  to  select  those  kinds  of 
knowledge  as  the  obje'ets  of  our  pursuit,  which  arc 
most  valuable,  and  of  the  greatest  utility.  There 
are  some  depths,  of  which  it  is  our  honour  and 
felicity  to  be  ignorant  ;  Rev.  ii.  24  ;  and  even  in 
things  wb'ch  are  lawful,  we  may, in  numberless  in- 
sfances,  very  well  be  excused,  ifno:  in  wholly  neg- 
lect ng,  yet  in  possessing  only  a  general  acquaint- 
ance with  them  But-divine  truth  requires  not  on'y 
\o  be  known,  but  well  known  ;  it  is  not  only  neces- 
sary that  we  have  sentiments,  and  right  sentiments, 
but  that  we  enter  deeply  into  them.  Every  thing 
pertaining  to  God  is  great,  and  requires  all  our 
powers.  In  whatever  we  indulge  indifference, 
there  is  no  room  for  it  here  :  God  requires  not 
only  all  our  hearty  but  all  our  mind  and  strength. 

The  importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate  acquaint- 
ance with  divine  truth,  will  more  particularly  ap- 
pear from  the  following  considerations  : 

I.  A  neglect  of  God's  word  is  represented  as  a 
heinous  sin  :  but  we  shall  not  be  able  to  escape. 
this  sin,  if  we  .content  ourselves  with  a  superficial 
acquaintance  with  truth.  Revelation,  in  every 
stage,  demands  o^r  serious  attention  ;  but  the  rev- 
elation of  eternal  life,  through  Jesus  Christ,  re- 
quires attention  in  the  highest  degree.  This  is 
lh»t  great  salvation,  which  we  are  charged  not  to 
neglect.  Heb.'ii  3.  The  dignity  of  us  author, 
its  sub  ime  and  interesting  nature,  with  the  accu- 
mulated evidence,  which  God  hath  condescended 
to  afford  usof  its  divine  original,  combine  to  re- 
quire of  us  the  most  careful  and  cordial  examina- 
tion into  its  contents  A  neglect  of  this  is  either 
total  or  partial  :  the  former  would  denominate  as 
Unbelievers,  and  expose  us  to  utter  destruction  : 


Knowledge  of  Divine  Truth.  113 

the  latter,  though  it  may  exist  in  sincere  Christians, 
is  nevertheless  a  sin,  and  a  sin  more  than  a  little 
offensive  to  the  God  of  truth. 

To  be  contented  with  a  superficial  acquaintance 
with  divine  things,  implies  disrespect  to  Him  xvho 
has  revealed  them  A  letter  from  a  distant  friend* 
to  vvtioai  we  are  cordially  attached,  is  viewed  and 
reviewed,  and  evry  sentence  of  it  Carefully  in- 
spected, and  on  many  occasions  committed  to 
memory  Why  should  not  the  word  of  God  be 
productive  of  the  >ame  effects  ?  Indeed  it  is  :  for 
in  proportion  as  we  love  God,  his  word  will  dwelt 
richly  in  us.  It  wdl  be  our  bosom  companion, 
to  wii'c  •  w«r  shall  have  recourse  on  every  occasion  ; 
especialy  in  seasons  of  leisure,  when  the  mrul, 
like  »  spring  from  which  a  pressure  is  removed} 
rises  to  its  natural  position.  Hence  the  fallowing 
language,  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with 
all  thine  heart,  and  with  ail  thy  soul,  and  with  all 
thy  might  :  and  these  words  which  I  command 
thee  this  day,  shall  be  in  thine  heart,  and  ihou  ;>halt 
teach  them  diligently  to  thy  children,  and  shalt  talk 
oftrum  when  thou  sittest  in  thine  house,  and  when 
thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and  when  thou  liest 
down,  and  when  thou  risest  up.    Deut.  vi.  5,  6,  1. 

To  be  contented  witn  a  superficial  acquaintance 
with  divine  things,  implies  also  a  want  of  affection 
to  the  things  themselves.  A  wiH,  or  tesuuueut,  in 
Which  we  were  deeply  interested,  wo.  kl  be  pro 
cur  -J  with  eagerness,  a  ad  read  with  avidity  ;  and 
if  any  difficulty  remained  as  to  the  meaning  of  a 
particular  passage,  we  should  have  no  rest  till  by 
some  means  or  other  we  had  obtained  a  solution  of 
it.  I  need  not  apply  this  remark  Nothing  is 
more  evident,  than  that  whatev  r  is  uppermost  in 
cur  affections,  Will  form  th<e  gran  ;  current  of  our 
tbouglut  And  whef$  our  thoughts  are  directed 
kv  a  subj  c  with  intensen  iss  ai  d  persev  »m  ice,  it 
will  Ujcome  familiar  to  u-  :  and  unless  it  be  owing 
K  l& 


114    The  Importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 

to  the  want  of  natural  capacity,  or  either  necessary 
^eans,  we  shall  of  course,  enter  deeply  into  it. 

I  have  baen  much  struck  with  the  ardent  affec- 
tion which  David  discovered  to  the  holy  scrip- 
tures, and  every  part  of  their  sacred  contents* 
The  whole  cxix.  Psalm  is  a  continued  ecomium 
upon  them.  There  we  have  such  language  as  the 
following  :  O,  how  Hove  thy  law.  My  soul  break- 
eth  for  the  longing  that  it  hath  unto  thy  judgments 
at  all  times.  Thy  statutes  have  been  my  song  in 
the  house  of  my  pilgrimage.  The  law  of  thy 
mouth  is  better  to  me  than  thousands  of  gold  and 
silver.  Now,  all  the  scriptures  which  were  tben 
extant,  amounted  to  little  more  than  the  writings 
of  Moses,  What  additions  have  wc  since  enjoy- 
ed ! — Besides  the  Book  of  Psalms,  and  the  pro- 
phecies which  followed,  we  have  the  whole  New 
Testament— full  of  grace  and  truth — wherein  the 
invisible  God  hath,  as  it  were,  rendered  himself 
visible — Him,  whom  no  man  hath  seen  at  any 
time,  the  only  begotten  Son,  who  dwelt  in  his  bo- 
om, hath  declared.  John  i.  17,  18  — How  is  it 
that  such  a  price  should  be  in  our  hands  to  get 
wisdom,  and  j  et  that  we  should  have  so  little  heart 
far  it. 

2.  The  word  of  God  is  represented  as  a  mean 
of  sanctification  ;  but  no  effect  of  this  kind  can  be 
produced  beyond  the  degree  in  which  we  imbibe 
it  One  great  object  of  our  Lord's  intercession 
with  the  Father  on  our  behalf  was,  that  we  might 
be  sanctified  through  the  truth,  even  by  his  word, 
which  is  truth.  The  gospel  is  continually  hrld  up, 
not  only  as  a  doctrine  according  to  godli  ness,  but 
but  as  having  a  powerful  influence  in  producing 
it*  It  teaches  us  that,  denying  ungodliness  and 
worldly  lusts,  we  should  live  soberly,  righteously, 
and  gndly  in  this  present  world  It  worj^eth  ef- 
fectually in  those  wh  >  believe..  It  was  by  the  doc- 
t*me  of  the  Cross  that  the  world  became  cruefied 


Knowledge  of  Divine  Truth.  115 

id  the  Apostle,  and  he  unto  the  wo.  Id  I  So  univer- 
sal and  so  manifest  were  the  effects  of  divine  truth 
upon  the  practice  of  the  primitive  Christians,  that 
the  sacred  writers  could  appeal  o  fact  on  their  be- 
half, tint  they,  and  they  only  we  re-successful  com- 
batants against  the  world's  temptations  : — Who  is 
he  that  overcomelh  the  workL  but  h$  that  believ- 
eth  that  Jesus  is  the  Son  of  God  ,  Jnlui  xvu  17. 
Tit.  ii.  12.  1 .  Thess.  n.  13#  Gat.  vi.  14.  1  John  v. 
4,  5. 

Now,  in  order  that  the  gospel  mavbe  produc- 
tive of  these  effects,  it  is  necessary  that  it  br  un- 
derstood— Withourthis,  how  should  it  interest  or 
affect  the  heart?  WV  must  believe  the  truth  ere 
it  will  work  effectually  :  we  must  know  it,  or  it 
will  not  nvftke  us  free.  That  we  may  serve  God 
acceptably,  and  with  godly  fear,  we  must  have 
grace  ;  and  grace  is  multiplied  through  the  knowl- 
edge of  Gods  and  of  Jesus  our  Lord 

Knowledge  and  affection  have  a  mutual  influ- 
ence on  each  oiher  That  the  love  of  tru  h  will 
prompt  us  to  labor  after  a  more  perfect  acquaint* 
tance  with  its  contents,  has  been  already  obser- 
ved :  and  that  such  an  acquaintance  will  promote 
an  increas  nglove  of  truth  in  return,  is  equally  ev- 
ident. We  cannot  love  an  unknown  gospel  any 
more  than  an  unknown  God  \ffection  is  fed 
by  knowledge,  being  thereby  furnished  with 
grounds  or  reasons  for  its  operations.  Bv  the 
expansion  of  the  mm  I,  the  lean  is  supplied 
with  objects  which  fill  it  with  delight,  it  is  thus 
that  it  becomes  enlarged,  and  thai  w  ferl  our- 
selves sweetly  induced  to  run  in  the  way  of  the  di- 
vine com  man  dm  ents. 

How  was  it  that  the  apostle  became  dead  to  the 
world,  by  the  cross  ol  Christ  I  i  s  ippose  on  much 
the  sun*  principle,  (hat  the  lighi  of  tht  stars  is 
eclipsed  b\  that  of  th    sun  :  an  h  ivmg 

drunk  old  wine,  ceases  to  desire  new,  for  he  saitty 


116   The  Importanoe- of  a  deep  and  intimate 

the  old  is  better.  It  is  by  drinking  eeply  into 
religion,  that  we  become  clis affected  to  carnal  ob~ 
jects. 

The  word  of  God  is  represented  as  the  great 
source  of  Christian  enjoyment  :■  but  no  effect  of 
this  kind  can  be  produced  any  farther  than  we  im- 
bibe the  truth.  The  same  wav  in  which  divine 
truth  operates  as  a  medium  of  sanctifieation,  it  be- 
comes a  source  of  enjoyment  ;  namely,  by  inter- 
esting and  affecting  the  heart.  That  which,  by 
its  superior  lustre,  eclipses  the  pleasures  of  sense, 
and  crucifies  us  to  the  world,  at  the  same  time 
kindles  a  jov  in  the  heart,  which  is  unspeakable 
and  full  of  glory.  The  habitual  joy,  which  was 
possessed  bv  the  Apostles  and  primitive  Chris* 
tians,  chiefly  arose  from  a  kno wedge  and  belief  of 
the  gospel  It  was  the  excellency  of  the  knowl- 
edge of  Christ  Jesus  his  Lord,  that  induced  the 
Apostle  to  count  all  things  but  loss  and  dung 
Phil.  iii.  8,  Those  in  whom  the  word  of  Christ 
dWeltTichly,  in  all  wisdom,  were  supposed  to  be 
so  enlivened  by  it,  that  it  became  natural  to  them 
to  teach  and  admonish  one  another  in  psalms  and 
hymns,  and  spiritual  song.-,,  singing  with  grace  in 
their  hearts  to  the  Lord.  Col.  iii.  16.  The  ob- 
ject for  which  the  apostle  bowed  his  knees  to  the 
Father  of  glory,  in  behalf  of  the  Ephesians,  was, 
that  bv  means  of  a  comprehensive  knowledge  of 
the  breadth,  and  length,  anj  depth,  and  height  of 
the  redeeming  love  of  Christ,  they  might  be  filled 
with  all  the  fullness  of  God,  Eph.  iii.  13,  19. 
The  wells  of  salvation  are  deep  ;  and  he  that  Jack- 
et] knowledge  is  as  one  that  hath  nothing  to  draw 
With. 

The  prejudice  of  many  Christians  against  doc- 
trinal preaching,  as  being,  in  their  esteem,  dry  and 
Uninteresting;  and  th^  preference  which  is  given. 
to  that  which  is  morr  cLs  riptive  of  their  fet  lings, 
a&d  which  is  therefore  termed  experimental,   i:> 


Knowledge  of  Divine  Truth.  117 

worthy  of  attention.  If  the  doctrine  which  we 
prc&ch  be  not  the  unadulterated  gospel  of  Christ, 
it  will  indeed  be  dry  ;  or,  if  instead  of  ent 
into  the  spirit  of  the  truth,  we  are  employed  in  a 
fruitless  discussion  of  terms,  or  things  on  which 
the  scriptures  forbear  to  decide,  it  must  needs  be 
uninteresting,  andeven  disgusting  to  a  holy  mind. 
But  if  the  pure  gospel  of  Jesus,  well  undt  mood 
by  the  preacher,  and  communicated  to  the  fulness 
of  his  heart,  do  not  interest  us,  there  must  be  some 
lamentable  disorder  in  the  state  of  our  minds.  Jf 
the  manna  that  come  down  from  heaven  be  loathed, 
it  is  a  sign  that  things  are  not  with  us  as  they  ought 
to  be.  The  doctrine  of  Moses,  and  surely  much 
more  that  of  Jesus,  dropped  as  the  rain,  and  dis- 
tilled as  the  dew  upon  the  tender  herb. 

Christian  experience  ^or  what  is  generally  un- 
derstood by  that  term,  the  painful  and  pleasurable 
feelings  of  good  men)  will  be  found,  if  genuine, 
to  arise  from  the  influence  of  truth  upon  the  mind. 
If  we  be  strangers  to  the  glory  of  God's  moral 
character,  and  the  great  evil  of  sin,  we  shall  be 
strangers  to  ail  th?  feelings  pf  godly  sorrow  on  ac- 
count of  it.  And  what  ground  js  there  for  J&y 
and  peace,  but  in  believing  ?  Take  away  the  Deity 
and  atonement  of  Christ,  and  they  are  annihila- 
ted. To  this  may  be  added*  give  up  the  doctrines 
©f  the  resurrection  and  a  fuMre  life,  and  what  »e- 
come's  of  hope  ?  Frem  these  instances,  out  of  n  a- 
ny  others,  you  will  easily  perceive,  that  doctrinal 
and  experimental  preaching  are  not  so  remo ce  from 
each  other  as  some  persons  nave  imagined  ;  and 
that  to  extol  the  latter  at  the  expence  of  the  for- 
mer, is  cO  act  like  him  who  wishes  the  fountain  to 
be  destroyed  because  he  prefers  the  stream. 

4.  It  is  a  great  object  in  the  Christian  life,  ac- 
cording to  our  capacities  and  opportunities,  to  dif- 
fuse the  lightof  the  gospel  around  us  :  but  we  can- 


118   The  Importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 

not  communicate  any  thing  beyond  the  degree  in 
which  we  possess  it.  The  communication  of  gos- 
pel truth  is  not  confined  to  ministers.  Every 
Christianjmoves  in  a  sphere  of  some  extent  ;  and 
is  expected  so  to  occupy  it,  as  to  embrace  every 
occasion  which  may  offer  to  make  known  the  way 
of  eternal  life  to  those  about  him.  The  primitive 
churches  were  schools  of  heavenly  instruction,  as 
the  words  of  the  text,  to  go  no  farther,  plainly  in- 
timate ;  and  the  apostle  reproves  some  of  their 
members  for  having  made  no  greater  proficiency. 
Though  it  \vould  be  vain  for  every  one  to  aspire 
at  being  a  public  teacher  of  Christianity,  yet,  as 
hath  been  already  observed,  everyone  should  be 
concerned  that  he  may  be  able  to  give  a  reason 
for  the  hope  that  is  in  him,  and  to  teach  the  good 
and  the  right  way  to  those  with  whom  he  is  imme- 
diately connected.  The  duties  of  a  parent,  and 
a  master,  include  in  them  the  instruction  of  those 
who  are  committed  to  their  care.  Many  oppor- 
tunities arise,  in  which  Christians  might  commu- 
nicate th  :  knowledge  of  Christ  to  their  neighbors  \ 
those  in  a  state  of  servitude  to  their  fellow- ser- 
vants ;  and,  provided  it  were  done  on  proper  oc- 
casions, and  according  to  the  apostolic  rule,  in 
meekness  and  fear,  persons  in  inferior  stations 
m!ght  suggest  a  useful  hint  even  to  their  superi- 
ors. 

When  the  family  of  Elimelech  went  to  sojourn 
in  Moab,  they  carried  their  religion  with  them  ; 
so  recommended  the  God  of  Israel  to  those  with 
whom  they  formed  connexions,  that  one  of  them 
was  induced  to  leave  her  country,  her  kindred, 
and  her  gods,  and  to  put  her  trust  under  the  shad- 
ow of  his  wings.  Ruth  i.  And  even  a  little  maid 
of  the  land  of  Israel,  who  had  been  carried  cap- 
tive into  Syria,  by  speaking  to  her  mistress,  on  a 
favorable  opportunity,  was  instrumental  in  her 
master's  being  healed  of  his  leprosy  t  and  in  his  be?- 


Knowledge  oj  Divine  Truth.  119 

ing  brought  to  acknowledge  and  adore  the  true 
God.  2  Kings  v.  Such  cases  are  recorded  to  en- 
courage us  to  communicate  the  good  knowledge 
of  God  on  all  props r  occasions  :  but,  in  order  to  do 
this,  we  must  first  possess  it,  and  that  in  a  greater 
degree  than  merely  to  denominate  us  Christians. 
Perhaps  one  of  the  most  favorable  opportunities 
for  Christians  to  suggest  important  truth  to  their 
neighbors  and  connexions,  is  when  any  of  them 
are  under  a  threatening  affliction.  To  visit  them 
at  such  a  time  would  be  kindiy  taken  :  even  the 
\vTorst  of  characters  are  commonly  accessible 
when  they  apprehend  eternity  to  be  drawing  nigh. 
You  may  now  freely  converse  and  pray  \vTiih  them.; 
and  if  your  circumstances  will  adsnit,  and  theirs 
require  it,  a  communication  of  your  world  sub. 
stance  would  convince  them  of  your  good  will, 
give  weight  to  your  instructions,  and  correspond 
with  the  conduct  of  Him,  who  went  about  doing 
good  to  the  bodies  and  souls  of  men.  But  such 
a  practice  requires  an  intiaiate  acquaintance  with 
divine  truth.  It  is  an  important  matter  to  con- 
verse with  men,  who  are  just  on  the  borders  of 
an  eternal  world  :  ie  requires  not  only  tenderness, 
faithfulness  and  prudence  ;  but  an  ability  to  ex- 
pose those  false  refuges,  and  detect  those  delu- 
sive hopes,  to  which,  at  such  seasons,  they  are 
generally  disposed  to  fly  ;  and  to  direct  them  to 
the  only  name  under  heaven,  given  amongst  men, 
whereby  they  must  be  saved.* 

*  Of  the  numerous  liberal  institutions  which,  at  this  time, 
adorn  the  metropolis,  none  appear  to  me  more  deoervng 
of  encouragement  than  those  societies  which  have  lately 
been  formed  for  visiting,  retieving,  and  conversihg  nvtth 
the  afflicted  floor.  If  they  continue  to  be  conducted  with 
propriety  ;  if,  in  particular,  suitable  persons  are  selected  as 
visHors,  1  hope  they  will  prove  a  basing  of  magnitude. 
May  God  A; mighty  bless  those  young  people  who  are  thus 
employed,  and  may  they  never  want  of  support  from  a  be- 
nevolent public. 


120  The  Importance   of  a  deep  and  intimate 

5. In  time  of  apcs'acy  from  the  truth,  Chris- 
tians are  exhorted  to  be  stedfast  .  2  Pit.  iii.  17  ; 
but  astedfast  adherence  to  truth,  requires  that  we 
be  rooted  and  grounded  in  it.  The  wisdom  of 
God  sees  meet,  in  order  to  prove  mankind,  and 
especially  his  professing  people,  to  suffer  other 
gospels,  besides  the  true  one,  to  obtain  footing  a- 
mongst  us.  I  am  aware  that  it  has  beer  me  cus- 
tomary, in  these  times,  to  make  a  jest  of  heresy , 
and  to  deride,  as  illiberal,  narrow-minded  bigots, 
all  those  who  consider  any  religious  sentiments  as 
endangering  the  salvation  of  men.  But  I  hope  we 
shall  not,  on  this  aocount,  be  deterred  from  such 
an  attachment  to  truth  as  the  scriptures  encour- 
age It  is  granted  that  the  term  heresy  has  been 
wretchedly  abused  ;  and  that  it  becomes  Chris- 
tians to  beware  of  applying  it  to  every  departure 
from  even  truth  itself  :  yet  there  is  such  a  thing 
in  being.  There  were  heresies  in  the  apostles' 
times ;  and  it  was  predicted  that  there  should 
in  after  times,  be  persons  who  would  bring  in  even 
damnible  heresies,  2  Pet.  ii.  1.  Let  no  one  be 
startled  at  the  use  of  these  terms:  I  did  not  coin 
them,  and  am  not  accountable  for  them  ;  but  see- 
ing they  occupy  a  place  in  the  holy  scriptures,  I 
think  myself  concerned  to  understand  them. 
Whatever  difficulty  there  may  be  in  ascertaining 
their  precise  object,  they  u  ndoubtedly  teach  us 
that  men's  souls  may  be  destroyed  by  mental,  as 
well  as  by  sensual,  lusts;  even  the  souls  of  pro- 
fessing Christians  ;  for  the  words  are  not  intend- 
ed to  describe  open  infidels,  but  such  as  should 
bear  the  Christian  name,  yea,  and  who  should  be 
teachers  of  Christianity. 

The  circulation  of  doctrines    pleasing  to   cor- 
rupt nature  will  prove  men    to  be  what   the\ 
They  are  the  fan  in    Christ's  hand,    by  whi 
wii!  thoroughly  ptfrge  h.efloor.     That  light -m  nd- 
ed  professors  of  religion  should  be  carried  away 


Knowledge  of  Divine  Truth.  121 

with  them,  is  no  more  a  matter  of  surprise  than 
that  the  chaff  should  be  earned  away  by  the 
wind :  but  how  is  it  that  those,  of  whom  we 
would  hope  better  things,  are  often  shaken  ? 

If  a  minister,  in  almost  any  of  our  congrega- 
tions, should  relinquish  truth,  and  fall  into  the 
grossest  errors  ;  unless  he  has  so  conducted  him- 
self as  to  have  gained  little  or  no  esteem  amongst 
the  people,  he  is  seldom  known  to  go  off  alone  : 
sometimes  half  a  congregation,  and  sometime* 
more,  have  been  known  to  follow  him,  or  at  least 
to  be  greatly  unhinged  for  a  considerable  time. 
If  a  writer  start  up  in  almost  any  connexion,  let 
his  performance  be  ever  so  weak  or  extravagant  ; 
yet,  if  he  possess  but  a  sufficient  quantity  of  over- 
bearing assurance,  he  will  have  his  admire:*  ;  and 
some  serious  people  will  be  in  danger  of  being 
turned  aside.  How  are  these  things  to  be  accoun- 
ted for?  I  conceive  the  principal  reason  is,  that 
Christians  content  themselves  with  a  superfi- 
cial knowledge  ofdivine  things.  Great  numbers, 
from  a  dislike  to  controversy,  will  never  take  any 
pains  to  understand  the  difference  between  one  set 
of  religious  principles  and  another.  They  have 
no  desire  to  enable  themselves  to  distinguish  be- 
tween true  and  false  reasonings. — They  are  too  apt 
to  take  it  for  granted,  that  what  they  have  imbi- 
bed is  truth,  and  that  nothing  can  be  advanced 
with  the  least  colour  of  reason  for  the  contrary: 
when,  therefore,  an  argument  appears  with  a  little 
plausibility  on  its  free,  it  has  only  to  obtain  a 
reading2  or  a  hearing,  and  their  assent  is  gained. 
Brethren,  let  shame,  if  nothing  else,  provoke  us, 
that  we  henceforth  be  no  more  children,  tossed  to 
and  fro  by  every  wind  of  doctrine.  Ephes.  iv.  14. 
Let  us  be  concerned,  not  obstinately  to  adhere  to 
our  present  sentiments,  be  they  whatthev  may, 
but  to  know  the  mind  of  God  in  his  word  ;  and 
knowing  it,  Ictus  stedfastly  adhere  to  it. 

The  present  age  seems  to  be    an   age    of  trial'. 
JU 


,}h22   The  Importance  of  a  deep  and  intimate 

Not  only    is  the  gospel    corrupted   by  those  wild 
bear  the  Christian  name  \  but,   of  fate,    you  well 
know,  it  has  been  openly  assailed.      The  most  di- 
rect and  daring  opposition  has  been   made   to  the 
very    name  of  Christian') nty.     I  am  not  goin<r    to 
alarm  you  with  any  idea  that    th^   church    is    in 
danger  ;  no,  my  brethren,  the  church,    of    which 
wTe,  I  trust,    are  members,    and   of  which  Christ, 
and  Christ  alone,  is  head,  is  not  in   danger:   it  is 
built  upon  a  rock,  and  the  gates  of  hell  shall    not 
prevail  against  it.     Neither  are  my  apprehensions 
excited  concerning  those    who  are  true   members 
of  the  church  :  these    trying  blasts,  though  they 
may  effect  them  for  a  season,  n  ill  ultimately  cause 
them  to  take  deeper   roo?#     Nevertheless,   it    be- 
comes us  to  feel  for  the  souls   of  men,   especially 
for  the  rising  generation  ;  and  to  warn  even  good 
men  that  they  be  not   unarmed   in    the    evil  day. 
The  human   heart  has  ever  been  averse   to   the 
gospel  of  Christ  ;  but  the  turn  or  temper  of   the 
present  age  is  peculiarly   in  favour     of  infidelity. 
In  much  the  same  manner  as,  in  former  ages,  men 
were  violently  attached  to   a    persecuting    super- 
stition, they  are  now   verging  to  the   opposite  ex- 
treme, and  are  in  danger  of  throwing  off   all    reli- 
gion.    Our  temptations,    and   those    which    will 
attend  our  posterity  after  us,  are  likely,  therefore, 
to  be  widely  different  from  what  they  have  hither- 
to bee-n.     Hitherto  nominal  Christianity  has  been 
no  reproach  ;  but  reproach  has  attached    itself  to 
the  other  side.     The  case,    in  this    respect,  may 
soon  be    altered.     Men    grow    bold    in    avowing 
their  contempt  of  Christianity  ;  and  many  among 
the  dissipitaied  part    of  the    youth  are  following 
their  example.     Now  if  characters  of  this  descrip- 
tion should  spring  up  in  sufficient  numbers,  not 
only  to  keep  each  other  in    countenance,     but  to 
turn  the  tide  of  reproach  against  Christians,    as  a 
company    of  wrong-headed  enthusiasts,    we  shail 
soon  see  which  side  the  mass  of  mankind  will  take. 
Their  characters  being-  loose  and  profligate,  ther 


Knowledge  of  Divine  Truth,  12© 

have  long  felt  themselves  condemned  by  the  gos- 
pel ;  and  this  is  a  matter  that  does  not  sit  very  ea- 
sy upon  them. — Nothing  has  kept  them  from  re- 
jecting it  before  now,  but  the  disgrace  that  would 
follow"  upon  their  becoming  open  infidels  :  when- 
ever, therefore,  this  disgrace  shall  be  removed,  we 
may  expect  them  to  go  off  in  great  companies. 
The  slightest  observation  of  human  nature  must 
convince  us,  that  the  greater  part  of  mankind,  e- 
ven  in  religious  matters,  are  governed  by  fash- 
ion :  they  go  with  the  course  of  this  world.  So 
great  an  influence  has  the  tide  of  public  opinion 
upon  them,  that  even  whtre  it  is  not  altogether 
agreeable  to  their  own  views  and  inclinations, 
they  are,  nevertheless,  frequently  carried  awsy  by 
it  :  but  if  it  be  thus  where  public  opinion  and 
private  inclination  are  at  variance,  it  must,  of 
course,  be  much  more  so  in  those  cases  wherein. 
they  are  agreed.  This  will  be  like  a  union  of  the 
wind  and  tide  :  the  vessel  that  is  carried  along  by 
such  a  joint  influence,  can  scarcely  have  any 
thing  left  to  impede  its  progress. 

The  great  influence,  which  a  certain  popular 
pamphlet  has  had  upon  men's  minds,  is  not  so 
much  owing  to  the  work  itself,  though  it  possesses 
all  the  agreeableness  to  a  depraved  heart,  which  wit 
aid  malignity  can  give  it.  asto  thebiasofthe  pres- 
ent generation  in  favour  of  the  principles  which  it 
contains.  Of  this  the  amhorhimself  seems  to  have 
been  sufficiently  aware,  by  the  title  which  he  ha9 
thought  proper  to  give    his  performance  * 

It  is  not  unlikely  that  almost  allour  religiouscon- 
iroversies  will  soon  be  reduced  to  one,  upon  which 
the  great  body  of  men  will  divide.  Is  Christianity 
true  or  false  ?  Is  there  a  God  ?  Is  there  a  heaven 
and  a  hell  ?  Or  is  it  all  a  fiction  ?  Agitated  by  thsee 
important  questions,  the  greater  parr  of  the  inhab- 
itants of  Europe,  and  perhaps  of  Am  rica,  in- 
cluding our  own  posterity,  may  rank  either  as  real 
Christians,  or  as  opeq  Infidels. 

*  Age  of  Reason. 


124  The  Importance,  bV. 

What  shall  we  say  to  these  things?  Ought 
they  to  depress  us  ?  We  ought,  undoubtedly,  to 
feel  for  the  welfare  of  men's  souls,  and  caanot  but 
feel  for  those  who  are  more  intimately  connected 
with  us  :  but  upon  any  other  ptinciple,  I  know 
not  that  they  ought  to  have  any  such  effect  upon 
us.  God  is  upon  his  throne  :  his  church  is  upon 
a  rock  :  whatever  hour  of  temptation  may  be 
coming  upon  the  world,  to  try  them  that  dwell 
upon  the  earth,  those  who  hold  fast  the  word  of 
his  patience  will  be  kept  through  it  :  Rev.  iii.  10. 
All  things  are  working  together  for  good  to  them 
that  love  God.  With  these  views,  Christians  may 
rejoice,  and  rejoice  always. 

While  we  rejoice,  however,  we  must  rejoice 
with  trembling  ;  and  while  we  confide  in  God, 
must  be  diffident  of  ourselves*  Let  us  not  presume 
on  our  own  firmness,  but  put  on  the  whole  armour 
©fGod,  that  we  may  withstand  in  the  evil  day. 
The  first  thing  required  in  thi*  divine  accoutre- 
ment is,  that  mr  loins  begirt  about  with  truth, 
Ephe-  vi.  14;  but  truth  will  not  prove  as  a  girdle 
to  our  loins  in  the  day  of  battle,  except  we  be 
deepl)  and  intimately  acquainted  with  it. 

O  ye  sons  and  daughters  of  carelessness,  who 
are  called  Christians,  but  have  norootin  yourselves, 
what  aspect  d^thesethingsweTtowards  vou  ?  he 
iimeseemsdrawing  nigh  that  will  prove  you  to  be 
what  you  are  !  Hitherto  there  has  been  an  outer  court 
for  you,  and  you  have  worshipped  in  it.  Youjhave 
long  had  a  form  of  godliness,  b  thave  been  without 
the  power,  you  have  rank*  d  with  the  friends  of  truth, 
but  have  never  received  it  in  love,  that  you  might  be 
saved.  You  have  kept  up  the  profession  of  some- 
thing  that  has  been  called  Christianity,  without 
feeling  yourselves  under  any  necessity  to  proceed 
farther  :  but  now  your  outer  c<  urt  will  probably 
be  taken  away,  and  you  will  feel  yourselves  im- 
pelled, as  it  were,  either  to  come  in  and  be  Chiis- 
tians  in  reality,  or  to  go  out  ai*d  tak-  y  ur  portion* 
with  the  unbelieving  and  the  abominable. 


f 


